Chris Elmore MP praises Welsh Government in bringing down unemployment in Ogmore

14th July, 2023

Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, has shared his praise for the Welsh Labour Government in bringing down unemployment in his constituency in the face of the grim economic picture created by the UK Tory Government.

Unemployment figures released this week show that those without work has reduced by -4% from the months of May to June 2023. Moreover, there has been a -7% decrease in unemployment in Ogmore when you compare the data before the pandemic (March 2020) and today.

The picture is even better when you focus on youth unemployment in the area. Those aged between 18-24 years old in Ogmore have seen a fall of unemployment by -5% month-on-month and a huge -22% since the start of the pandemic.

The Welsh Labour Government has achieved this by implementing the following policies:

11,000+ under 25s helped into work through the young person’s guarantee
A new curriculum for Wales taught in modern, 21^st century schools
EMA maintained and increased to £40 per week
The most generous student support offer anywhere in the UK
28,000 new all-age apprenticeships

Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, said:

“We know the benefit of upholding our values here in Wales. We look out for one another and ensure that when someone needs support they get it. That’s why our unemployment figures in Ogmore have fallen in the face of the catastrophic UK Tory Government’s handling of the economy.

Our Welsh Labour Government have invested, not cut, in young people’s education and skills. This has supported local businesses to grow and bring on new talent. Where the UK Tory Government seeks out ways to undermine the public sector, we in Wales work with it to ensure standards are upheld, jobs are delivered and people are put first.

Now, there is much more to do. The Conservative cost of living crisis and the Tory Mortgage Bombshell is hitting families hard. A UK Labour Government would build on Welsh Labour successes and get our economy growing again. We will bring down mortgage costs with a five-point plan holds banks to account for their practices. A better Britain is possible.”