Written question WQ94836
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 4 days
Question
Will the Government consider increasing provisions for supporting freelancers learning Welsh, similar to Work Welsh for PAYE employees, given that the Welsh language is a unique selling point in the creative economy, the Government’s commitment to a million speakers by 2050, and the creative sector has high rates of self-employment?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
The aim of the Cymraeg Gwaith / Work Welsh programme is to strengthen Welsh language skills in workplaces across Wales. Whilst freelancers are not excluded from the programme, the nature of its delivery means that the focus is on workplaces rather than individual learners. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 580 employers and 11,469 individuals benefitted from support under the Cymraeg Gwaith programme. These included workers from the creative sector.
The National Centre for Learning Welsh provides other opportunities for individuals to learn Welsh. It offers a choice of courses and resources to suit all levels and learning styles, varying from online self-study courses to intensive advanced level residential courses. Many of the on-line resources are free, whereas courses typically cost £100 for the academic year.
Current financial settlements mean that we cannot offer free Welsh language learning for everyone. Course fees are an important source of income for the Learn Welsh sector and without this income, fewer learners would be able to access provision.