Unemployment in Worthing, Adur and Arun

According to the Office of National Statistics, Worthing’s population has an unemployment rate of 7.1 per cent, as against the national average of 7.9 per cent.

Its economy has a higher than average number of managerial and senior official posts (23 per cent of those who are employed), plus greater than average employees as skilled traders (15 per cent as against a national average just over 10).

But it is behind in the number of people in professions (10 per cent as against 14 per cent nationally). Average wages are £479 gross per week – more than £50 pounds less than the south east average.

Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley praised the area’s economy for fighting to remaining competitive, despite the loss of some major firms.

His comments come as the unemployment figures show that although major firms, such as Aviva, Daewoo and Eurotherm have seen significant job losses to the town, unemployment is still below the national average.

Mr Bottomley highlighted the long-identified need of improving the A27, which he believed would be vital for future business success and said it should be given a high priority by the government.

He said: “I think the latest figures for the area are an example to the rest of the country- they should still be lower but it’s a testament to the commitment of businesses in Worthing despite the loss of companies employing more than 1,000 people having gone from the town.

“Myself and MP Tim Loughton are calling for meetings about the state of the A27 which we are greatly concerned about which is one of the most immediate things we need to tackle.

“There are some real signs of encouragement with new businesses being set up and some growth in the economy.

“We will not be returning to the reckless spending carried out by the previous government but there will instead be investment in businesses and moderate rates of tax.”

Of Adur’s residents, there are 6.9 per cent unemployed, with a high level of skilled workers (18 per cent). But its average wages are well behind the south east (£400 against £536 nationally).

Meanwhile, unemployment in Littlehampton (Arun) is 6.7 per cent of its population aged between 15-64. Average wages are significantly behind the national trend at £397, heightened by a comparative shortfall in academic qualifications.