Working in Cymraeg

We love hearing our employees speaking and using Welsh (Cymraeg) in the workplace.  Whether it’s just a few words here and there like Bore Da (good morning) or Diolch (thank you), a blend of English and Welsh (Wenglish) or holding a full conversation in Cymraeg. 

As a Welsh council, it is important our customers can access the services we provide in the language of their choice, whether that’s Cymraeg or English. This means some of the jobs we advertise are Welsh essential. This means being able to speak conversational Welsh to a specified level. Not all Welsh essential jobs require the same level of Welsh skills and each person specification will state the level of Welsh needed along with providing a description of the tasks the postholder will be required to carry out in Cymraeg.

Don’t speak Cymraeg?

You can still apply for jobs with us – not all our jobs are Welsh essential.

A typyn bach (little bit) of Cymraeg goes a long way. Pronouncing people and placenames correctly, along with the use of a few simple words or phrases, can make all the difference to our customers. We have lots of resources to support to our colleagues who want to have a go and learn some Cymraeg. 

Welsh essential posts 

Welsh essential posts usually mean the ability to speak conversational everyday Welsh with our customers or having courtesy level Welsh – being able to pronounce Welsh place and personal names correctly and using simple greetings. The person specification will tell you more about the level of Welsh skills required for each post. 

There are very few roles in the Council which need employees to write formal Cymraeg – we use a professional translation service to help with written Welsh and proofreading documents.  A Cymraeg spell checker and grammar checker - Cysgliad - is also available for employees who want to write in Cymraeg.  

Lost your confidence using Cymraeg?

If you’ve not used your Welsh in a while and you’ve lost your confidence, please don’t let that put you off.  We provide lots of free support, training and opportunities, in work time, for employees to reconnect with Cymraeg and build their confidence. Let us know if you need support.

Applying for jobs in Cymraeg

Whether a job is Welsh essential or not, you can submit your application form, request an interview and communicate with us throughout the recruitment process in the medium of Cymraeg.  If appointed you can also receive your contract of employment documents and your payslips in Cymraeg.