A FALL in unemployment and a rise in vacancies across Carmarthenshire and Wales as a whole has been welcomed by employment minister Mims Davies MP.

Across Wales the number of people employed is at 1.48 million – an increase of 26,000 on the quarter and up 6,000 on the year.

The unemployment rate is at 4.4 per cent, lower than the UK average which is at 4.8 per cent.

The number of people in workless households has fallen across Wales since October to December 2010 by 137,000.

Job vacancies have increased at the quickest rate for 23 years as the country continues to emerge from the lockdown, according to a study.

Despite the increase the availability of candidates fell last month as the country continues to emerge from the lockdown.

A spokesman from Jobcentre Plus said: “Local employers across Carmarthenshire within the hospitality and tourism sector are reaching out to the Job Centre Plus (JCP) to begin advertising vacancies.

“The number of vacancies in Carmarthenshire is now six times and four times more respectively compared to this time last year.

“Local employers across Carmarthenshire within hospitality are reaching out to the JCP to re-engage regarding advertising vacancies these include McDonalds, Michelle’s, Days and Jenkins.

“The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) doubled the number of UK frontline Work Coaches to 27,000 by March 2021 to support people looking for work including helping them pivot into new sectors and making sure they access any additional support they need including training and work experience. Jobcentres in Carmarthenshire have benefitted from this as well as taking on additional staff.”

Commenting on the latest labour market statistics, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has not only been a health crisis for us here in Wales, but it has been an economic one too. Individuals and businesses have faced one of the most difficult years on record - but the Welsh Government has been, and remains, absolutely committed to supporting Welsh businesses through this pandemic.

“We’ve taken bold steps to protect firms and livelihoods. Our £2 billion plus business support package, has helped business the length and breadth of Wales through these incredibly difficult times, safeguarding more than 160,000 jobs, and just last week we announced that businesses still under restrictions, such as pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues would be entitled to further payments of up to £25,000 to help them with their costs through to the end of June. Those businesses will also continue to benefit from our full 12 month 100% rates relief scheme in Wales.

“Our Working Wales service has supported over 20,000 people in terms of skills and jobs, offering advice and support to people age 16 plus to find work, pursue self-employment or find a place in education or training, with hiring incentives for employers to recruit individuals most affected by Covid-19.

“My main priority now is to lead Wales’ economic recovery. I will work in social partnership with business and with trade unions to rebuild and strengthen our economy; protecting livelihoods and creating new jobs across Wales.”