Unemployment in Wales drops to 90,000

Job centreGetty Images

The unemployment rate in Wales has fallen by 9,000

Unemployment in Wales is down to 90,000 - a drop of 9,000 in the past quarter, official figures show.

Employment in Wales has increased by by 42,000 over the last quarter - more than any other UK nation or region.

Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said: "Today's record employment figures confirm that our long-term economic plan is delivering for people."

The UK unemployment rate increased by 25,000 between April and June to 1.85 million people.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "Today's figures show employment in Wales at a record level as we have outperformed every other part of the UK.

"Over the last year Wales has also outperformed every other part of the UK to record the highest increase in employment rate and the largest decrease in claimant count."

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Business, William Graham AM, said: "These extremely positive figures prove that Conservatives in government are delivering economic growth for Wales.

"The plan is working and it's up to Welsh Labour ministers to work collaboratively with UK colleagues to ensure that continues."

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Economy Minister Eluned Parrott AM said: "This is good news for Wales, and shows that we can buck the trend after several months of poor figures."

Wales employment in figures

  • Number of people unemployed in Wales is 90,000 - down 9,000 on last quarter and down 8,000 on last year

  • 5.9% of people aged 16+ are unemployed

  • Number of people in employment in Wales is 1,424,000. Up 42,000 on the quarter, 49,000 on last year

  • 71.5% of 16-64 year olds are in employment

  • Number of economically active people in Wales aged 16+ is 1,514,000. Up 32,000 on the quarter, 41,000 on last year

  • 76.1% of 16-64 year olds are economically active

  • Number of economically inactive people in Wales is 457,000 - down 29,000 on the quarter, 36,000 down on last year

  • 21.9% of 16-64 year olds are economically inactive

Source: Office for National Statistics

More on this story