Working in Conwy…
Base levels of unemployment in the area compare well to the Welsh and UK averages (3.0% compared to 4.8% and 4.7% respectively in 2003). The predominance of the tourism sector within the local economy results in a marked increase in unemployment over the winter months.
It is accepted that the likely explanation for the discrepancy between GVA per head figures, which are calculated on a workplace basis, and wages/income, which is calculated on a residential basis, is the net out-commuting from Conwy, particularly to NE Wales. The position is exacerbated in the rural communities where, for example, 43.6% of households in Betws-y-Coed are classed as low income (gross annual salaries of first and second adults, below £8,000, compared with 39.2% for rural Wales).
Although employment in agriculture accounted for only 1.8% of jobs in 2004 Census, this sector is still of great significance within the area, particularly the rural hinterland. Some 87% of agricultural land is classified as poor or very poor, and almost 90% of land is used as permanent grass or rough grazing. Livestock farming, especially sheep, predominates. It is the predominance of tourism, agriculture and the service sector which drive wage levels down, particularly within rural Conwy.
Conwy as a whole, but particularly rural Conwy, depends upon small and micro owner managed businesses. Indeed the County has a higher density of VAT registered businesses than Wales as a whole.
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