Official ONS figures show that in the south east of England, there are 4,660,702 people in work – meaning that since 2010, 468,363 more people have been able to access the security of a job.
The figures show that the number of people with a job has reached a record high – including a record number of women and disabled people in work – meaning more people than ever before have the economic independence that a job brings and can reach their full potential. With wages rising at their fastest pace in 11 years – ahead of inflation – people’s pay packets can go further.
In Crawley, the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 1,048 since 2010 – an overall reduction of 39 per cent.
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 reiterate the solid foundation on which Britain’s economic future will be built on.
“More people are in work than ever before, and with average wages increasing ahead of prices, pay cheques can go further.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, commented;
“Every person deserves the chance to succeed and provide for their families through a steady income. I’m pleased to see 2.9 million more people are in work since 2010, wages are rising at their fastest in more than a decade, and people across the UK are taking home more of what they earn.
“Thanks to the hard work of the British people and the government, we can further invest in our public services. And today’s figures are another sign that despite the challenges across the global economy, the fundamentals of the British economy are strong as we prepare to leave the EU.”
The Secretary of State for Work & Pensions and Minister for Women & Equalities, Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, added;
“More people in work than ever before means more households across the UK are earning a regular income, and millions more receiving a pay boost thanks to wages rising at their fastest in a decade – outstripping inflation for a 17th month in a row.
“Our workforce increasingly reflects our vibrant society, with a record number of women in employment while the number out of work falls to an all-time low.
“This week many young people will receive their A level results and begin their career journey. They should know that they are entering a workforce that is flourishing and full of opportunity and I hope all young people, especially women, feel empowered to flourish in every role in every sector.”
