First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said his government will invest over £1.3 billion in new hospitals, schools and other major infrastructure projects.

Jones said: “I am absolutely determined to ensure that the government I lead invests in our national infrastructure.

“We are committed to invest over £780m in new schools, new hospitals and other major infrastructure across the country, this financial year, which is now being translated into visible construction work on sites across Wales.

“Our commitment to the construction sector is absolutely clear.

“That’s why we’ve expended our Economic Renewal Programme’s priority sectors to include the construction industry, which has an estimated 10,000 businesses employing 100,000 people in Wales.

“The deterioration in the UK and global economic position is stark. That is why over the next few weeks, my Government will be bringing forward a series of announcements to protect and support the Welsh economy.

“These announcements – together with strategic investment in capital projects – will reduce red tape on businesses and support the flailing construction sector.”