Wales has recorded the largest increase in employment of any UK nation or region since December, with 26,000 more people in work in March. The employment rate for those aged over 16 now stands at 74%, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Unemployment in Wales remained flat at 68,000 between January and March, though this is 1,000 more than the previous three months and 19,000 above pre-pandemic levels. The unemployment rate of 4.4% is slightly lower than the UK average of 4.8%.
The number of economically inactive people in Wales fell by 34,000, meaning fewer people are not working or unable to work due to sickness, caring responsibilities, or full-time study. Across the UK, payroll figures rose steadily in April as Covid restrictions eased and job vacancies increased.
Health, social work, and administration saw the biggest employment gains, while hospitality experienced the largest declines. Nearly 160,000 people in Wales remained on furlough at the end of March.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said businesses had faced one of the most difficult years on record, with the Welsh government providing over £2bn in financial support, safeguarding 160,000 jobs. More than 20,000 people have been helped to improve skills and find work, with hiring incentives for those most affected by Covid-19.
