ONCE again, the subject that has occupied my mind more than any other this month has been jobs.

I don’t need to tell anyone of the difficult times we are in.

The global crisis that started in the banking sector in 2008 quickly spread throughout the economy and led to a downturn that not only saw tax receipts fall off a cliff, leading to the current deficit, but coupled with a no growth strategy from the government in Westminster, has led to very tough times in the jobs market.

People, particularly youngsters, are finding it tough to find employment and when they do, they find themselves underemployed, a technical term meaning they cannot get enough hours.

All governments have their part to play in ensuring people have access to employment and the goal of full employment is one we should take seriously.

The Welsh Government certainly does and this was highlighted by their investment and support for Seda UK, which makes packaging for the food, dairy and confectionery industries.

The company is being supported with £5.4million business finance.

The investment is to create 70 new jobs in Horton Park, Pontllanfraith, and safeguard more than 170 existing posts.

As is so often the case, particularly in times as difficult as these, fragile local economies are less capable at dealing with knocks.

One such knock was the announcement of Real Crisps that they would not be returning to production in Crumlin.

Many of you will remember that production ended last year after a suspected arson attack.

I had met with the company on many occasions including with Welsh Government officials, who did all they could to encourage them back to the site.

This incident was, of course, an unpredictable occurrence but the UK government needs to do something to create a pro-growth environment.

At the moment, their policies are leaving us and our communities vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of life, unable to absorb knocks that a thriving economy would sail through.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to former Councillor Olga Griffiths, who sadly passed away last month.