Food and farming

All workers are legally entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This includes temporary seasonal staff, who often work short-term contracts in bars, hotels, shops and warehouses over the summer. The National Minimum Wage hourly rates from 1 April 2023 are: £10.42 – age 23 or over (National Living Wage) £10.18 – age 21 to 22 £7.49 – age 18 to 20 £5.28 – age under 18 £5.28 – apprentice Employers who do...

Thinking ahead and preparing for what the weather may bring can make a real difference. There are some simple steps you can take to stay safe and healthy at this time of year – from preparing your home or business to taking care of yourself, your family and neighbours. The Met Office have advice and guidance including: 10 things you should do now to prepare for summer - Met Office 4 tips for staying safe...

World Environment Day 2023 on 5 June is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1974, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. This year the day is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution...

Chwarae Teg’s report ‘Working Experiences of Women over 50 in Wales’ reveals that many women in this age group face barriers to remaining in work, and experience disadvantage and discrimination within work. Menopausal symptoms, caring responsibilities and disability are barriers to women over 50 progressing in the workplace. Improving access to training, support and flexible working are key to enabling women over 50 to develop and adapt to changing workplace demands. The report makes a...

Wales’ successful social partnership approach, bringing workers, businesses and public services together has become law – as the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act gained Royal Assent. It is the first law in Wales to be given Royal Assent by King Charles III and means that workers will have a greater opportunity to shape policies, activities and strategic priorities at a national government level and in certain public sector organisations. The new Act will...

PRIME Cymru provides free support for mature individuals in Wales to set up in business, find employment, or develop skills through training and volunteering opportunities. Thinking of starting your own business? Or maybe you’ve already started to explore the possibility of becoming self-employed, but need a little extra guidance? PRIME Cymru can help. Self-employment is often a very viable option for older workers as it can offer: Financial independence The chance to use all the...

Neath Port Talbot Council’s ‘Let’s Talk Business’ events are all about exploring those exciting business ideas, exploring opportunities and plans to grow your existing business and/or funding support. Highly skilled officers and external business partners will be on hand to hear about your ideas, offer support and explore issues that matter most to your businesses. The Let’s Talk Business events will be taking place across Neath Port Talbot, with the first event taking place on...

Do you have a bright idea that could help your business and the wider Welsh Agricultural industry to become more sustainable? Applications are now open for a new fund where Farming Connect is making £5,000 available for farmers and growers to try-out their ideas and bring them to life. Farming Connect has developed the Try-out fund, to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst...

Exporting can transform your business. Whether you’re new to trading overseas or an established exporter, there are a range of tools and services to support you wherever you are on your export journey. The Export Hub: a free online resource covering all aspects of exporting. In the Hub you’ll find a wealth of information to help you explore overseas markets, find new clients, ensure market compliance, clarify import duties and more. In addition, you will...

Minister for Climate Change Julie James is appealing to everyone in Wales to be conscious of their water use as we approach summer. In a statement to the Senedd (18 May 2023), the Minister confirmed that Wales’ Drought Liaison Group – consisting of water companies, Natural Resources Wales, the Met Office and other partners – has officially started meeting to plan ahead for all weather scenarios. A particularly dry February this year was followed by...