• New figures show there are four million more people in work since 2010 and over 450,000 more people in a job across the south east of England, helping to grow the economy.
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures showing there are 33.09 million people in work in the UK, with the unemployment rate near record highs of 76 per cent – up 5.8 percentage points since 2010, with vacancies falling.
• Wages also grew by the largest rate outside of the pandemic at 7.2 per cent, helping people manage costs as Government continues work to halve inflation.

Henry Smith MP has welcomed new figures showing 4,644,045 people are in work across the south east of England, an increase of 451,706 since 2010, as the Government marks four million more people in work since 2010.

Henry said;

“These are difficult times, with Britain’s economy shocked by the Covid-19 pandemic and then impacted by Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“Today’s jobs figures show there are four million more people in work since 2010 and over 450,000 more people in work across the south east of England – meaning more people are earning their own money.

“There is more to be done to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt – but these figures show the Government is committed to ensuring everyone has the security of a job.”

As the number of people in work grows, figures also show 176,606 fewer people are unemployed across the south east, meaning more people have the security of their own income.

New figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there are a total of 33.09 million people in work in the UK – this is an increase of 382,000 people in the last year.

As jobs rise, vacancies are falling, with an unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent – near record lows, meaning the number of unemployed people in the UK has halved since 2010.

The Government have five priorities: to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. These new figures show the Government are making progress in achieving their economic priorities, with a strong workforce and a resilient economy.

The Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Mel Stride, commented;

“We’re getting people working with record numbers of people in jobs – representing the vigorous support we have in place to support people get into work.

“We are equipping the over 50s to return to work, removing barriers for parents on Universal Credit and supporting those who are sick or disabled.

“The Prime Minister has set out clear priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. We are working non-stop to ensure more people are in work to achieve these priorities.”