Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

I think I have worked sufficiently hard enough today to justify blogging from the chamber at this point in time. Criticise me if you must, I have a thick skin!  Ieuan Wyn Jones is now making a statement on the Welsh economy. I have raised with him the issue of the closure of Ferraris in Porthcawl, Bridgend and the Mumbles, and while this is under Elin Jones AM’s remit, I hope that he can be of assistance in ensuring that those who have been made redundant are supported into other employment streams. I also raised the issue of Ford, where on the same day as the positive 70 million investment in Bridgend, the company announced that it was laying off staff over Christmas- that they would receive full basic pay, but not their shift allowance. We have to be more pro active in working with companies who are in financial difficulties, and who are looking for new ways to save money. This is again evident from the statement from Corus today that some staff there won’t be receiving their pay rises or their bonuses. Many workers felt that they were ‘held to ransom’ in supporting this decision by Multiserv. I hope that this does not become a trend of such companies in the current economic climate.

Today has also been busy for me as I have been involved in the Healthy Living Week events at the National Assembly- speaking at the launch, and ensuring that the cross party group on eating disorders had a prominent presence. It was a good day all in all, and it raised awareness of the need for people to keep fit and healthy.

I am now going to the Gofal Cymru launch of their annual review. I am a little late due to plenary going over time, but I’m sure they won’t mind. I’ve done quite a lot of work with Gofal Cymru in my area, and I hope that I can support them in the work they do.