Unemployment in Wales drops to 90,000
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 Source: Office for National Statistics