Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:56 pm on 7 March 2017.
Cabinet Secretary, may I ask for a statement from the Welsh Government on the announcement of 60 job losses in Careers Wales? Careers Wales provides independent careers information, advice and guidance to people of all ages in Wales. It helps people make realistic career decisions, whether by encouraging further learning, training, skills development or employment. It is a matter of great concern, therefore, that 60 jobs—nearly 10 per cent of the workforce—are under threat due to the Welsh Government cutting its funding. One of the key roles of Careers Wales is to assist the implementation of Welsh Government’s programmes. Indeed, they are bidding at present to provide the Welsh Government’s employability and apprenticeship training programme. Shedding so many jobs must call into question the ability of Careers Wales to effectively deliver Welsh Government’s programmes and provide quality careers advice to students and people out of work. I should be grateful if the Welsh Government would make a statement on this important issue now. Thank you.