As I write, the latest job figures have been released. I am pleased to see that unemployment in Crawley has fallen to a six-year low; by more than half since 2010. The figure currently stands at 1.9 per cent.
Additionally, the rate of youth unemployment has fallen by more than two thirds since the last election, and is now 2.1 per cent.
As someone who has been previously unemployed myself, I am well aware that if you are still looking for work, such statistics aren’t of much comfort and that it’s 100 per cent of a problem.
Personally, I want to play my part in helping people in Crawley find work, not only young people but also though mid-life who may have suffered as a result of the previous recession.
I will be hosting the second annual Crawley Jobs Fair at the Civic Hall on Friday, 19th September 2014, to encourage local jobseekers to meet and speak with key local employers.
Companies are growing in Crawley. The latest annual Duport Business Confidence Report found that there were almost 200 new businesses registered in the town during the first quarter of 2014. This is a record high in Crawley’s history, and a 5 per cent rise on the same period last year.
This, combined with the fact that company closures have reduced by a further 5 per cent, ensures an overall increase in net company growth.
I am aware that more can still be done. To play its part, West Sussex County Council have launched a new website, www.BusinessWestSussex.co.uk, to help local companies in their development, such as listing details of various grants and funding that are available.
I am pleased that this has come about as a result of the council listening to local companies and business people, and I hope that this will simplify the process of firms receiving assistance or guidance from the local authority.
Nationally, the Government’s Start-Up Loan scheme has now granted 20,000 loans, totalling over £100 million to help entrepreneurs across the country. This scheme is ensuring growing businesses are getting the finance and support they need to kick-start and grow.
By awarding the 20,000th loan, the Government is now two thirds of the way towards supporting 30,000 new businesses with £151 million by 2015.
For more information on the upcoming Crawley Jobs Fair on Friday 19th September at the Civic Hall, please visit www.CrawleyJobsFair.com