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Gwynedd’s “Welsh first” language policy has received public backing, but concerns have been raised over a lack of opportunities for prospective employees to learn the language.

Although measures are underway to make Welsh the main internal language on Anglesey, Gwynedd is the only one of Wales’ 22 authorities to already operate such a policy.

As a result, most internal communication and administration is made in Welsh, although the council maintains a bilingual presence while dealing with members of the public.

However, two complaints have been received based on the council’s recruiting policy and the need for Welsh language skills to apply for jobs.

A report on the implementation of language standards will be discussed by Gwynedd’s Welsh language committee on Tuesday, noting the authority’s compliance with the guidelines laid down by the Welsh Language commissioner - with several actually being exceeded.

Of the 481 new and vacant jobs that were advertised by the council during 2017-18, all were categorised as Welsh language ability being an essential requirement to land the role.

According to the report, while following the principle that the Welsh and English languages are given equal prominence, the council is working proactively “to ensure that Welsh is seen and heard first”.

Among its findings is that the overwhelming majority of the 3,104 employees included in the study are fluent Welsh speakers, with the figure standing at almost 93%.

Of the remaining 7%, several are registered as being able to speak and understand the language “to a certain extent”.

However, concerns have been raised that not enough opportunities are available for adults to learn the language and be in a position to apply for such roles.

The report notes: “Of the 60 responses, 22 were related to ‘inward migration’ and how much support is available for people moving into the area to be able to learn the language.

“There was a strong emphasis in the responses also on the lack of opportunities to learn the Welsh language and the lack of support for people who wish to learn it.

“Gwynedd Council’s influence is limited in this field, but there is a strong message here to share with partner organisations such as Welsh for Adults.”

One responder remarked: “Only Welsh speakers can access public services jobs but, when the nearest Welsh classes are a 20-mile round trip to the nearest town, it is completely impractical to learn Welsh in your spare time.

“If you had a ‘learn on the job’ scheme, then you could employ the best person for the job rather than the best Welsh speaker for the job.

“It is much easier to learn a language when you are immersed in it every day as opposed to an hour once a week.

“If people are willing to learn the language, then this should be taken in to account.“

The report concludes that the views provided in the consultation will be considered as the authority prepares to activate its new Welsh Language Promotion Plan for Gwynedd 2018-2023.

These will be discussed when the Language Committee meets in Caernarfon on Tuesday, July 10.