Part of 5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:04 pm on 21 September 2022.
That's a helpful initial answer. I was informed on Monday 12 September by Caerphilly council about Bearmach. They've manufactured and supplied spare parts for older Land Rover vehicles, based, as I said, at Pantglas industrial estate. The council had been informed by the Welsh Government late the previous Friday, and I understand the company have received Welsh Government grant support in the past. Has Careers Wales been involved with the company? The local authority said it will be in contact with them to help from an employability perspective, so I'd like to know that. Unfortunately, the exact numbers of those being made redundant wasn't confirmed. The Minister did confirm it in his answer; it was reported to us as 51, but now he's confirmed it's 89. This is obviously very disappointing news for the local economy in Bedwas and the surrounding area. I'd like to know what the Minister is planning to do to further support the economy in the area around Pantglas and Bedwas particularly. Can the Minister give us a further assessment of the impact of Bearmach's closure on the workforce of the local community, including his understanding of the role of Careers Wales? And can he please clarify what further support will be made available to former employees from the Welsh Government, in addition to that that he's already mentioned?