Former coalfield areas in Wales set to benefit from new jobs thanks to UK Labour Government

Two former coalfield areas in Wales are set to get a share of £13.5 million to construct new industrial developments for businesses, creating hundreds of new jobs and supporting hundreds more.

Bringing opportunities to areas that have suffered decline, overseen by 14 years of Tory austerity, the new investment is part of the UK Labour Government’s plan to build a stronger and fairer economy through local investment.

Resolven and Seven Sisters (Neath Port Talbot) are among the locations that have been selected to get a share of £13.5 million, which will also support entrepreneurs in those areas who want to start their own business – or business owners who want to expand their company – in their hometown.

Welsh Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East, Carolyn Harris, said:

“Today’s investment will provide support to businesses and workers in our coalfield communities across Wales, that over a decade of Tory austerity and inactivity in these areas long denied them.

“This is another example of the UK Labour Government delivering jobs and economic growth across Wales, ensuring people can access good quality jobs where they are, rather than having to look further afield.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“As a result of this investment, people and businesses in former South Wales coalfield communities will receive greater access to the jobs and opportunities they deserve.

“For too long, these communities have been left behind – with many people having been forced to leave their local areas to seek employment elsewhere.

“The UK Government is acting to stop this cycle, by delivering jobs, prosperity, and growth right across Wales. We are backing our coalfield communities with the support they need, helping local businesses thrive, and ensuring our coalfield communities reap the benefit of a strengthened and fairer UK economy.”

The investment follows the previous Welsh Labour Government’s focus on making former coalfield areas safe and supporting their local economies, with record £100m funding to secure the safety of more than 130 coal tip sites across Wales and the establishment of the new Disused Tips Authority for Wales headquartered in Merthyr Tydfil.