§ 17. Kevin BrennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of the National Assembly concerning unemployment in Wales. [76075]
§ Peter HainI fully intend to continue to hold regular discussions with the First Minister on a range of issues including unemployment in Wales.
The Government recognise that certain sectors, particularly manufacturing, have experienced tough times, due largely to the world economic slowdown.
However, based on the non census adjusted figures for both Wales and the UK, there is evidence that we are closing the traditional gap between Welsh unemployment and UK unemployment. Welsh unemployment, at 5.3 per cent., is now barely higher than the comparable UK rate of 5.2 per cent.
§ 22. Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the Welsh Assembly on reducing long-term unemployment in Wales. [76079]
§ Peter HainThe Government's long-term ambition is that by the end of the decade there will be a higher proportion of people in work than ever before.
Based on non-census adjusted figures for both Wales and the UK, there is evidence that we are closing the traditional gap between Welsh unemployment and UK unemployment. Welsh unemployment, at 5.3 per cent., is now barely higher than the comparable UK rate of 5.2 per cent.
866WEmployment measures such as the New Deal have been a huge success in Wales and are having an impact on long-term unemployment. In total, some 6,300 long term unemployed people in Wales have secured sustained jobs through New Deal between the start of the New Deal 25 + programme in July 1998 and June 2002, when the most recent figures were published.