MP praises 'motivated' workforce for jobless fall

UNEMPLOYMENT fell by 10 per cent last year in the Mid Sussex district.

The latest figures revealed there were 847 unemployed claimants in December, compared to 941 in December 2010.

MP Nicholas Soames welcomed the figures and said that it helped to have a "well-educated and well-motivated workforce".

"East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill is an extremely prosperous area," he said. "A lot of people struggle, there's no doubt, but this is an area where there are many jobs. We so often hear nothing but negativity, but unemployment has fallen in Mid Sussex consistently.

"I think it's because of the location. I think we have a well-educated and well-motivated workforce, and it's a terrific magnet for jobs and local growth.

"My aim has always been for people to understand that instead of whining all the time, we are very lucky."

The figure represents 1.7 per cent of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. It is set against nationally rising unemployment, now at 8.4 per cent.

Mr Soames also welcomed the news of a jobs boost in East Grinstead, with the upcoming development of a 79-bedroom Travelodge and a Wilkinson store on the site of the old Caffyns showroom.

"It's absolutely wonderful news that there's going to be a new hotel in the centre of town," he said.