Unemployment Jump in Wales Spells Trouble Ahead

3.14.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st May 2007

Commenting on today's regional unemployment figures released from the Office of National Statistics showing unemployment has jumped by 18% , or 12,000 over the last year, Jenny Willott MP said:

"This is jump in unemployment in Wales - the second largest rise anywhere in the UK - is extremely worrying. And there is much more trouble ahead.

"As more and more people in Wales struggle to get by, it seems Gordon Brown's record on the economy is coming apart at the seams.

"Personal debt in Wales increases by £18m a day. House prices are in Wales are rising well above the UK average and mortgage affordability is at a record 16 year low.

"Thousands of vulnerable families and young people in Wales are already walking the financial tightrope. Sadly, Labour's continuing failure to combat rising personal debt, build affordable houses and generate sustainable job growth in Wales will result in many more falling into financial ruin."