Figures released today show that in South East, there are 4,640,480 people in work – meaning that, under the Conservatives, 448,141 more people have been able to access the security of a job since 2010.
In Gosport, the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 594 since 2010 – an overall reduction of 36 per cent, meaning fewer people now need this support because they have the security of a job.
The figures show that the number of people in work has reached a record high, while the unemployment rate is at its lowest since the mid-1970s, at 3.8 per cent.
And with wages rising at their fastest pace in 11 years – ahead of inflation – people’s pay packets can go further.
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.
Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage has welcomed these figures, saying:
“These figures show our balanced approach to the economy is working. We are backing businesses across the country to create more, higher-paying jobs through our modern Industrial Strategy.
“However, in Gosport we still need to encourage local business growth and employment so that 20 000 constituents do not have to rely on commuting for work every day. I shall continue to work with local stakeholders and employers to drive local growth to ensure that residents across Gosport, Stubbington, Lee On The Solent and Hill Head can get the job they want within the peninsular.”
Alok Sharma, the Minister for Employment, responded to the latest employment figures, saying:
“Wages outpacing inflation for 16 months in a row, more people in work than ever before and joint-record female employment, means better prospects for many thousands of UK families and shows the continued resilience of the UK labour market.
“With unemployment still falling, remaining at its lowest level since 1974, its clear that UK employers continue to have confidence in our hard-working workforce.
“And with many schools breaking up this week there are some great opportunities for young people to get a taste of work over the summer – boosting their CVs as well as their bank balances as they prepare for their future careers.”
