Government statistics showed the number of people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) in Crawley fell below 1,000 for the first time since June 2008.
The latest figures by The Office for National Statistics stated the claimant count fell by nearly 100 to 967 in November.
Crawley MP Henry Smith said: “Ideas such as the Government’s £2,000 Employment Allowance are having a real effect on Crawley firms, allowing them to hire and train more and more people.
“That’s why it’s important we stick to the long term economic recovery which now sees UK growth at 3.2 per cent, the highest of any major economy and led by powerhouses such as Crawley.
“I know there is more to do, which is why I organised the Crawley Jobs Fairs, to bring together jobseekers and those looking to hire.”
Cllr Peter Smith, Crawley cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “I sincerely hope that the jobs that people are getting are not zero hours contracts. Indeed, I hope local employers follow the council’s lead and pay the Living Wage.”
The number of JSA claimants in town has been falling steadily since February 2012, when it peaked at 2,427.
The decrease matched national and regional trends.
The statistics also showed the proportion of 16 to 64-year-olds claiming JSA had reached its lowest level since 2007.
The percentage fell to 1.3 from 1.5 per cent while the South East’s figure flatlined at 1.2 per cent last month.
The national figure for November was 2.0 per cent.
The Office for National Statistics published the figures on December 17.
Visit https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157342/subreports/jsa_time_series/report.aspx?