Unemployment in Pembrokeshire hit a new low last month with less than 1,000 people out of work and claiming benefit. The number of jobless in the county has been falling steadily over a number of years and last year was a record low. Every month so far this year has seen fewer people claiming benefit than in the corresponding month in 2006 and in May, just 989 - or 1.5 per cent of the resident workforce - were recorded as unemployed. The latest statistics have been welcomed by Pembrokeshire County Council's deputy leader, Clr. John Allen-Mirehouse, the cabinet member responsible for economic development and regeneration. He said: "The 1,000 figure looked unattainable a few years ago when we had one of the highest levels of unemployment in the UK, but things have now changed and both existing and new businesses have recognised the benefits of investing in Pembrokeshire. "I am pleased to see that both businesses and individuals are profiting from the new confidence in Pembrokeshire and that more of the people of the county are now able to find the type of work that they want to do. "We have had reports that some sectors have expressed a concern that it has become harder to recruit staff. This is especially true for those looking for seasonal workers, or those where workers are outside in all conditions or working less family-friendly hours. "However, like in other parts of the country, these jobs are being filled by workers from other European countries and this is enabling businesses in the county to meet their customers' demands for goods and services."
