In the Vale of Glamorgan, new employment data shows that payrolled employment fell by 0.3 per cent in the year to May 2026, alongside a rise in median monthly pay to £2,613.
This marks a 5.02 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The Vale currently ranks 11th out of 22 Welsh areas for employment change, according to analysis from WageSight.
This is based on HMRC Real Time Information and ONS Consumer Price Statistics.
The rise in median pay outpaces inflation and reflects a broader trend across Wales of wage growth exceeding price rises.
Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said: “The labour market remained broadly stable in the latest quarter, with further softening evident in some measures.
“Payroll numbers continued to fall over this period, with new recruits at their lowest level in five years.”
She added there were ‘some signs of workers moving into self employment,’ while the vacancies decline signalled firms are ‘becoming more cautious about taking on new staff.’
The Welsh Government said: “As a newly elected government we are committed to driving investment, innovation and higher productivity across Wales.
“We have announced a National Productivity Goal to close the gap with the rest of the UK and help unlock the full potential of the Welsh economy.
“By focusing on productivity, we will deliver more jobs, higher pay, stronger businesses and thriving communities.”
The Government said the goal will guide the work of a new Welsh innovation and development agency.
This agency will target business support, skills development and investment to boost economic performance.
Wales’ broader labour market trends continue to reflect UK-wide patterns of cautious employer behaviour amid economic uncertainty.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows a national payrolled employment decline of 0.4 per cent in the year to May 2026.
A fall in job vacancies, particularly in retail, hospitality and smaller businesses, has also been recorded.
The ONS reported that payroll numbers dropped by 53,000 in April across the UK, bringing the total to 30.3 million.
However, a provisional estimate for the following month suggested a small rise, though the ONS has advised that this figure may be revised.
Some workers are reportedly moving into self-employment, and businesses are said to be taking a more cautious approach to hiring.
These factors may be contributing to the Vale’s modest decline in employment.
