Henry Smith MP has welcomed new figures which show that in the south east of England, there are 4.6 million people in work – meaning that over 410,000 more people since 2010 have the security of a job.

In Crawley, the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 1,093 since 2010 – an overall reduction of 41 per cent, meaning fewer people now need this support because they have the security of a job.

The figures show that wages have risen at their fastest pace in over a decade as the unemployment rate is at its lowest since 1975, at 3.9 per cent.

With employment in the UK at a record high – including a record number of women in work and a record number of full-time jobs – more people than ever before have the economic independence that a job brings and can reach their full potential.

Behind every employment number is a person and a family whose self-esteem, mental wellbeing, economic circumstances and life chances are all vastly improved by being in the workplace.

Henry said;

“These figures show the balanced approach to the economy is working. There are more people in work than ever before, and it’s this Government which will continue to help people build a better future for themselves and their families.

“UK employment is at a record high, but there’s more to be done to ensure more and more people across the country are able to reach their full potential.”

The Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, commented;

“Under this Government, more people than ever before have the security of a job, and with wages rising at their fastest rate for a decade, people’s pay can go further.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see there are now a record number of women in work and a record number of people with secure, full-time jobs.

“Since 2010, unemployment has fallen in every region of the UK and over three quarters of new jobs have been created outside of London.”