Wales is currently experiencing record employment rates, according to the latest figures published by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Figures released this morning (Wednesday, August 12) showed the Welsh employment rate at 71.5 per cent, with 49,000 more people in work last month than in July 2014.

The figures revealed Wales to be the best performing of all UK regions and nations during July.

“We have a really good story to tell in Wales,” said Menna Davies, DWP Partnership Manager at Ammanford.

“In July we saw a 42,000 rise in the number of people in employment compared to the previous month and 49,000 compared to the previous year.”

In Carmarthenshire, the number of Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants fell by 309 - 13 per cent – in July compared to 12 months ago.

In the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency area, the number was down 81 – ten per cent.

The number of 18 to 24 year olds claiming JSA fell 15 per cent – 30 individuals - in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr and 17 per cent – 110 claimants – across the county.

“There are a number of things happening in this area,” said Ms Davies.

“There are 180 jobs set to come to Swansea following the takeover of the Alberto Culver factory and a further 280 new jobs with Admiral spread across Cardiff, Newport and Swansea.

“More locally there are a number of contributing factors and currently the vacancies situation is looking pretty good.

“MacDonalds taking over the Road Chef in Pont Abraham has brought new jobs and there are ten new posts at Gower Foods in Cross Hands. There have also been 15 new posts here at the Jobcentre.

“Previously, where staff at the Jobcentre were contacting employers in the hope of encouraging them to take on workers, we are now run off our feet dealing with employers contacting us.

“We have a lot of small and medium-size businesses in the Ammanford area and we are seeing the domino effect where an up-turn at a national level is now filtering through.

“We are seeing far more SME’s in the area taking on one or two new members of staff and that is fantastic news.”