- New figures show that there are 4,041,667 more people in work since the Conservatives came to power in 2010 and 401,999 more people in work across the East of England, which includes Essex.
- In total, there are more than 33 million people in work across the UK according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). This means that the total employment rate is at a near record high of 76% – up 5.8% since 2010.
- Wages grew by 7.2% during the past year in the UK (excluding the period during the Covid pandemic).
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed new figures showing 3,145,888 people are in work across the East of England, 401,999 more people than in 2010.
As the number of people in work grows, figures also show that the number of people out of work has fallen by 140,667 in the East of England since 2010.
New figures, published by the ONS, show that there are over 33 million people in work in the UK. During the past year, this number has increased by 382,000 people. With an unemployment rate of 3.8%, the total number of unemployed people has halved since 2010 in the UK.
These figures demonstrate that the Government is making progress on achieving its economic priorities – a strong workforce and a resilient economy. When employment rises, people get wealthier, the state gets more efficient, and the economy improves.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said:
“Following the Covid pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the international economy has been jolted.
However, today’s job figures show that, over the past decade, Britain’s economy has remained resilient. There are more than 4 million more people in work since 2010 and more than 400,000 more people in work in the East of England.
There is more to be done to halve inflation, grow the economy, and reduce debt – but these figures show that the Conservatives have been successful in promoting employment.”
The Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride, said:
“We are equipping the over-50s to return to work, removing barriers for parents on universal credit and supporting those who are sick or disabled.
The Prime Minister has set out clear priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. We are working non-stop to ensure more people are in work to achieve these priorities.”
