Harry Thompson
@harrythompson.bsky.social
Head of Fair Economy at Cynnal Cymru. Working for a living wage and fairer economy for Wales. Former political staffer 🌹. All views only my own, not employer.
https://cynnalcymru.com/fair-economy/
https://cynnalcymru.com/fair-economy/
To credit new CabSec, some progress has been made on this already.
But more to do and a review needed to ensure we are best-in-class on this compared to other nations and regions.
It'll continue to be a key driver of good, well-paid jobs in the future.
www.gov.wales/welsh-govern...
But more to do and a review needed to ensure we are best-in-class on this compared to other nations and regions.
It'll continue to be a key driver of good, well-paid jobs in the future.
www.gov.wales/welsh-govern...
Welsh Government takes action to accelerate infrastructure planning decisions | GOV.WALES
New proposals will allow infrastructure planning decisions of national significance to be taken more quickly.
www.gov.wales
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
To credit new CabSec, some progress has been made on this already.
But more to do and a review needed to ensure we are best-in-class on this compared to other nations and regions.
It'll continue to be a key driver of good, well-paid jobs in the future.
www.gov.wales/welsh-govern...
But more to do and a review needed to ensure we are best-in-class on this compared to other nations and regions.
It'll continue to be a key driver of good, well-paid jobs in the future.
www.gov.wales/welsh-govern...
Increased productivity and better jobs are the goal for Wales. Our public policy has not acted in a conducive manner to this, and the levers are in our hands.
No matter what decision we make on projects, speed and certainty should be embedded into the process.
No matter what decision we make on projects, speed and certainty should be embedded into the process.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Increased productivity and better jobs are the goal for Wales. Our public policy has not acted in a conducive manner to this, and the levers are in our hands.
No matter what decision we make on projects, speed and certainty should be embedded into the process.
No matter what decision we make on projects, speed and certainty should be embedded into the process.
You'll probably have guessed from this thread that my personal view is that we should approve Cardiff Parkway as soon as possible.
But ultimately the lesson from Cardiff Parkway is that our processes need to change so this never happens again.
But ultimately the lesson from Cardiff Parkway is that our processes need to change so this never happens again.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
You'll probably have guessed from this thread that my personal view is that we should approve Cardiff Parkway as soon as possible.
But ultimately the lesson from Cardiff Parkway is that our processes need to change so this never happens again.
But ultimately the lesson from Cardiff Parkway is that our processes need to change so this never happens again.
Wales (and devolution) should be using our status as a small, nimble country to make Wales one of the easiest places in the world to invest.
We should be looking to create a structural advantage - come to Wales, and the process will be easier.
Instead we've acted as blockers.
We should be looking to create a structural advantage - come to Wales, and the process will be easier.
Instead we've acted as blockers.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Wales (and devolution) should be using our status as a small, nimble country to make Wales one of the easiest places in the world to invest.
We should be looking to create a structural advantage - come to Wales, and the process will be easier.
Instead we've acted as blockers.
We should be looking to create a structural advantage - come to Wales, and the process will be easier.
Instead we've acted as blockers.
We've sent a message that if you put the time and resource into investing here, you may find yourself in a protracted purgatory whilst construction costs escalate.
Even if the answer was a 'no', it should have come a lot sooner.
Even if the answer was a 'no', it should have come a lot sooner.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
We've sent a message that if you put the time and resource into investing here, you may find yourself in a protracted purgatory whilst construction costs escalate.
Even if the answer was a 'no', it should have come a lot sooner.
Even if the answer was a 'no', it should have come a lot sooner.
Wales' biggest problem is a lack of good, well-paid jobs, with low productivity partly caused by low private investment causing this.
Whether you agree or disagree with the project, what we've done here is create a big flashing red warning light to major investors.
Whether you agree or disagree with the project, what we've done here is create a big flashing red warning light to major investors.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Wales' biggest problem is a lack of good, well-paid jobs, with low productivity partly caused by low private investment causing this.
Whether you agree or disagree with the project, what we've done here is create a big flashing red warning light to major investors.
Whether you agree or disagree with the project, what we've done here is create a big flashing red warning light to major investors.
At time of writing, the project has still not had a decision.
Welsh Government decisions have added nearly three years to the process.
You can read an update on the saga at the link below.
www.cardiffhendrelakes.com/an-update-on...
Welsh Government decisions have added nearly three years to the process.
You can read an update on the saga at the link below.
www.cardiffhendrelakes.com/an-update-on...
An update on Cardiff Parkway – January 2024 - Cardiff Hendre Lakes
By Nigel Roberts, Cardiff Parkway Developments Since our update of July 2023 there have been several developments regarding our plans …
www.cardiffhendrelakes.com
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
At time of writing, the project has still not had a decision.
Welsh Government decisions have added nearly three years to the process.
You can read an update on the saga at the link below.
www.cardiffhendrelakes.com/an-update-on...
Welsh Government decisions have added nearly three years to the process.
You can read an update on the saga at the link below.
www.cardiffhendrelakes.com/an-update-on...
This is when the Welsh Government stepped in to call in the project.
This delayed the project until a hearing in summer 2023, which was held.
The Welsh Government then changed its planning policy, which necessitated another hearing in January 2023, further delaying the project.
This delayed the project until a hearing in summer 2023, which was held.
The Welsh Government then changed its planning policy, which necessitated another hearing in January 2023, further delaying the project.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
This is when the Welsh Government stepped in to call in the project.
This delayed the project until a hearing in summer 2023, which was held.
The Welsh Government then changed its planning policy, which necessitated another hearing in January 2023, further delaying the project.
This delayed the project until a hearing in summer 2023, which was held.
The Welsh Government then changed its planning policy, which necessitated another hearing in January 2023, further delaying the project.
Despite being a privately funded project with green transport and good jobs at its heart - Wales hasn't helped itself on this project.
Work was intended to start in 2021 and to be finished in 2024.
Cardiff Council granted planning in April 2022.
Work was intended to start in 2021 and to be finished in 2024.
Cardiff Council granted planning in April 2022.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Despite being a privately funded project with green transport and good jobs at its heart - Wales hasn't helped itself on this project.
Work was intended to start in 2021 and to be finished in 2024.
Cardiff Council granted planning in April 2022.
Work was intended to start in 2021 and to be finished in 2024.
Cardiff Council granted planning in April 2022.
Prof Mark Barry has said the proposed development should have happened already.
He notes that as well as the green transport potential and connectivity benefits, many employers can't base themselves in existing city-centre office space.
swalesmetroprof.blog/2024/07/01/c...
He notes that as well as the green transport potential and connectivity benefits, many employers can't base themselves in existing city-centre office space.
swalesmetroprof.blog/2024/07/01/c...
Cardiff Parkway…
This station should have happened already! Cardiff Parkway and the proposed Hendre Lakes Business Park[i] is in the news again. However, despite the current discussions and the planning obfuscatio…
swalesmetroprof.blog
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Prof Mark Barry has said the proposed development should have happened already.
He notes that as well as the green transport potential and connectivity benefits, many employers can't base themselves in existing city-centre office space.
swalesmetroprof.blog/2024/07/01/c...
He notes that as well as the green transport potential and connectivity benefits, many employers can't base themselves in existing city-centre office space.
swalesmetroprof.blog/2024/07/01/c...
The business district has already attracted interest from companies with the ability to create hundreds/thousands of good quality jobs.
Most eye-catchingly, Rolls Royce have already said they want to create a major new hub there:
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Most eye-catchingly, Rolls Royce have already said they want to create a major new hub there:
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Rolls-Royce confirm Cardiff site for potential hub creating thousands of jobs
Rolls-Royce said it could potentially make a huge investment at the proposed Cardiff Parkway mainline train station and integrated business park at St Mellons in Cardiff
www.walesonline.co.uk
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
The business district has already attracted interest from companies with the ability to create hundreds/thousands of good quality jobs.
Most eye-catchingly, Rolls Royce have already said they want to create a major new hub there:
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Most eye-catchingly, Rolls Royce have already said they want to create a major new hub there:
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Which brings us to Cardiff Parkway.
You may have heard of it, but what exactly is it?
It's a proposed privately-funded train station and tranport hub for the (poorly served) east of the city - and crucially, it's the centrepiece of a proposed new 188-acre business district.
You may have heard of it, but what exactly is it?
It's a proposed privately-funded train station and tranport hub for the (poorly served) east of the city - and crucially, it's the centrepiece of a proposed new 188-acre business district.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Which brings us to Cardiff Parkway.
You may have heard of it, but what exactly is it?
It's a proposed privately-funded train station and tranport hub for the (poorly served) east of the city - and crucially, it's the centrepiece of a proposed new 188-acre business district.
You may have heard of it, but what exactly is it?
It's a proposed privately-funded train station and tranport hub for the (poorly served) east of the city - and crucially, it's the centrepiece of a proposed new 188-acre business district.
This part on Wales' low productivity in particular is worth reflecting on:
'One contributing factor may be that large multi-site businesses prefer not to site R&D activity in Wales. Very low rates of private sector R&D employment in Wales bear this out.'
'One contributing factor may be that large multi-site businesses prefer not to site R&D activity in Wales. Very low rates of private sector R&D employment in Wales bear this out.'
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
This part on Wales' low productivity in particular is worth reflecting on:
'One contributing factor may be that large multi-site businesses prefer not to site R&D activity in Wales. Very low rates of private sector R&D employment in Wales bear this out.'
'One contributing factor may be that large multi-site businesses prefer not to site R&D activity in Wales. Very low rates of private sector R&D employment in Wales bear this out.'
The problem in Wales in this area is pretty acute, finds this paper:
'Wales has a chronic and severe problem of low productivity, and shares with the wider UK two decades of stagnant productivity'.
wer.cardiffuniversitypress.org/articles/267...
'Wales has a chronic and severe problem of low productivity, and shares with the wider UK two decades of stagnant productivity'.
wer.cardiffuniversitypress.org/articles/267...
wer.cardiffuniversitypress.org
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
The problem in Wales in this area is pretty acute, finds this paper:
'Wales has a chronic and severe problem of low productivity, and shares with the wider UK two decades of stagnant productivity'.
wer.cardiffuniversitypress.org/articles/267...
'Wales has a chronic and severe problem of low productivity, and shares with the wider UK two decades of stagnant productivity'.
wer.cardiffuniversitypress.org/articles/267...
Ultimately, though, productivity as a driver of good jobs is inescapable.
Prof Dani Rodrik at Harvard University, is pretty clear:
'The sine qua non (without which, not) of a good job is a high enough level of labour productivity'.
www.hamiltonproject.org/wp-content/u...
Prof Dani Rodrik at Harvard University, is pretty clear:
'The sine qua non (without which, not) of a good job is a high enough level of labour productivity'.
www.hamiltonproject.org/wp-content/u...
www.hamiltonproject.org
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Ultimately, though, productivity as a driver of good jobs is inescapable.
Prof Dani Rodrik at Harvard University, is pretty clear:
'The sine qua non (without which, not) of a good job is a high enough level of labour productivity'.
www.hamiltonproject.org/wp-content/u...
Prof Dani Rodrik at Harvard University, is pretty clear:
'The sine qua non (without which, not) of a good job is a high enough level of labour productivity'.
www.hamiltonproject.org/wp-content/u...
Hardly controversial, you might say.
So how do we get there? One aspect is redistribution - something I've previously written about.
Places with best outcomes have strong mechanisms for equality hard-wired into economic system, ie strong trade unions.
www.iwa.wales/our-work/wor...
So how do we get there? One aspect is redistribution - something I've previously written about.
Places with best outcomes have strong mechanisms for equality hard-wired into economic system, ie strong trade unions.
www.iwa.wales/our-work/wor...
Beyond Social Partnership? Devolved Levers to Support Trade Unions in Wales - Institute of Welsh Affairs
This report points to the tools Welsh Government can use to strengthen the trade unions movement in Wales to benefit the economy.
www.iwa.wales
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Hardly controversial, you might say.
So how do we get there? One aspect is redistribution - something I've previously written about.
Places with best outcomes have strong mechanisms for equality hard-wired into economic system, ie strong trade unions.
www.iwa.wales/our-work/wor...
So how do we get there? One aspect is redistribution - something I've previously written about.
Places with best outcomes have strong mechanisms for equality hard-wired into economic system, ie strong trade unions.
www.iwa.wales/our-work/wor...
The run-ons from increasing job quality would be significant. More money in people's pockets, more young people able to make a successful future in Wales, a bigger tax base for funding public services, and more.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
The run-ons from increasing job quality would be significant. More money in people's pockets, more young people able to make a successful future in Wales, a bigger tax base for funding public services, and more.
In my view the key outcome we need to be focusing on is job quality - that's the one that makes a real difference to people's lives.
We need to get to a situation where people are paid better and treated better at work in Wales.
We need to get to a situation where people are paid better and treated better at work in Wales.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
In my view the key outcome we need to be focusing on is job quality - that's the one that makes a real difference to people's lives.
We need to get to a situation where people are paid better and treated better at work in Wales.
We need to get to a situation where people are paid better and treated better at work in Wales.
We often hear about the Welsh economy being at the bottom of various league tables. Lower pay, lower productivity, lower investment, lower job quality.
December 18, 2024 at 4:39 PM
We often hear about the Welsh economy being at the bottom of various league tables. Lower pay, lower productivity, lower investment, lower job quality.