Rise In Number Of Facilities Management Jobs In North Wales Helps Government Deflect Criticism

A plan to spread government jobs throughout Wales has been ‘disappointing’ with the number of Assembly workers based in the region actually falling in the last year.

The Welsh Government has defended the new Assembly headquarters and has pointed to an additional number of facilities management jobs that have been created by the flagship headquarters.

Government jobs in North Wales falling despite new HQ

The new Assembly offices in Llandudno Junction opened in September 2010 as part of a project to spread government jobs throughout the country. However, only 561 staff currently work at the new centre and at associated offices in the region, more than 2 fewer than in April 2010.

Despite North Wales being home to over 670,000 people, just 10 per cent of the government workforce is based in the region, compared to over 50 per cent of staff working in Cardiff alone.

Llandudno Junction councillor Mike Priestley said: “The Welsh Assembly building in Llandudno Junction may be iconic in appearance but in regards employment it has become a symbol of disappointment.”

Rise in facilities management jobs in the region

The Welsh Government defended the new building and pointed to a number of facilities management jobs that have been created. A spokeswoman said: “It is a significant investment which we will take advantage of and build on. Our aim to have three new regional offices by 2010 has been achieved and the commitment to have staff working across Wales is as strong as ever.

“Around 150 posts have been brought to North Wales through new posts created to support the office and posts relocated from South Wales.

“There are around a further 30 posts created by the facilities management and catering teams. This is a flagship office and a long term investment in North Wales. We are developing a national recruitment policy to strengthen the identity and presence of the Assembly Government across the whole country.”