The latest labour market statistics for Wales, covering October2025 to December 2026, reveal that Wales’ employment rate remains the lowest of all the UK nations.
Additionally, Wales continues to have the highest economic inactivity rate in Great Britain.
The Welsh Conservatives have criticised Labour’s punitive taxation measures and Rachel Reeves’ budget decisions following unemployment reaching a near five-year high across the UK, as wage growth slows.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Labour and Plaid Cymru are failing to get a grip on the economy in Wales.
“Labour and Plaid’s stitch-up budget and Rachel Reeves’ tax raises have hit businesses hard across the UK and yet again employment remains lower here in Wales than elsewhere. Labour simply can’t be trusted with the economy.
“The Welsh Conservatives are offering a bold and costed tax-cutting agenda to kickstart the economy, including the abolition of stamp duty and cuts to business rates, to undo Labour and Plaid’s economic damage and get Wales working.”
Notes to editors: Link to the latest labour market statistics for Wales can be found here
- Employment in Wales has increased slightly (71.8%) but still remains the lowest in the UK (75%).
- Economic inactivity in Wales has risen from 24.5% last month to 24.8% and remains the highest in Great Britain.
- UK unemployment rate hits near five-year high as wage growth slows.
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