Wales could see 77 jobs lost everyday until 2010 - Willott

12.00.00am GMT Mon 17th Nov 2008

Analysis by the Welsh Liberal Democrats has shown that, based on CBI projections, unemployment in Wales could soar to 150,000 over the next 2 years, with 56,000 further jobs losses - 77 jobs everyday.

The Confederation of British Industry has forecast that unemployment will rise to 2.88million by October 2010, a 59% rise. This could mean soaring rates of unemployment across the UK.

Commenting, Jenny Willott, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary and Cardiff Central MP, said,

"This is a stark warning of the seriousness of the situation we may soon be facing in Wales and across the country.

"It is vital that every support is given to those losing their jobs yet the Government was still closing Jobcentres as recently as last month and the network will struggle to cope with increasing unemployment.

"Since 2003, 47 JobCentre Plus offices have been closed in Wales alone.

"There's an urgent need to kick-start the economy and save jobs. People on low and middle incomes should be given more of their money back in tax cuts to encourage consumer spending and drive demand."