Wales Jobs Losses

Wales' economy is shrinking faster than the rest of the UK. There are 95,000 unemployed in Wales and there has been over a 25% increase in job losses in the last few months. Unemployment is certainly rising faster than in the rest of the UK. Presumably the government should be protecting as many jobs as they are able right now, but what you may ask is the response of the Westminster Labour government? They plough ahead with plans to shut tax offices across Wales. Just before Christmas. Offices are to shut in Aberystwerth, Bridgend, Carmarthan, Pembrokshire, Brecon, Bangor, Pontypool, and Rhyl.

With a stronger devolution settlement the One Wales government would presumably be able to protect these jobs, but with so much executive and legislative power still residing in the South East nothing can be done. Welsh Labour MPs meanwhile seem keener on hindering Welsh Language and Housing LCOs, in an effort to prevent the creeping feeling of irrelevance, rather than lobby meaningfully to protect the interests of Wales as a whole.

The whole issue of job cuts in wales is wider, and more deeply felt, than devolution however. All those angered and effected by the vicious caprices of the economy at this time should look to campaign together on this, and many other, issues.