Make Wales a place to do business

4.52.09pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 17th Mar 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat Economic Development spokesperson, Kirsty Williams, has expressed her concern at the latest rise in unemployment in Wales.

Statistics released today show unemployment up by over 16 per cent, and the claimant count up by over 14 per cent.

Ms Williams said: "These figures are further evidence of how much more needs to be done to strengthen the Welsh economy. 10,000 more people are unemployed than this time last year and Wales lost another four per cent of its manufacturing jobs. The Government has so far failed to address these issues, but must now commit to increasing the skills of the workforce and ensuring that Wales is a place to do business.

"It is time for a much more holistic approach to matters of economic policy. From transport to business rates, spin-out companies to child care, the Government must consider the whole picture. With the consultation on a new economic development framework well under way, there is the opportunity to start to turn things around. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to lobby the Government to do more, and help get the Welsh economy back on its feet."