Commenting on the ONS Labour Market statistics for April 2021, Chief Executive of Chambers Wales, Heather Anstey-Myers, said:

“Although there has been a marginal fall in the unemployment rate, the labour market remains subdued. As the economy reopens and lockdown measures are eased, there are positive signs for recovery, especially in sectors such as hospitality which have been most affected.

“While the market has been broadly stable recently, there will be challenges ahead, such as when the furlough scheme is phased out later this year, and it is likely that any recovery in the labour market will be gradual.

“These UK figures are reflected in our findings in Wales. Two thirds of businesses surveyed in our latest quarterly economic survey reported that the size of their workforce has remained constant in the last three months, with over half indicating that it would continue to remain so over the next quarter.

“Further action is needed to support businesses to ensure they are able to recover and rebuild through recruitment, training and retaining staff. As a Kickstart gateway, Chambers Wales are helping young people to avoid the cycle of long-term unemployment and resolve the difficulties in recruitment that 62% of businesses have expressed to us, particularly for skilled and trained professionals.”