In figures released by the Office of National Statistics the UK reported a record high employment in December, with 74 per cent of people in work. The proportion of working woman was also at a record high in the UK with 69 per cent in full time employment whilst the amount of young people not in full time education or in work also dropped to 14 per cent, a record low. The news was just as positive for Crawley. Figures for the town showed 870 people were out of work over the festive period. The total is a five per cent fall on December 2014 with 50 more people in full time employment. The number of people aged between 18 and 24 looking for work also fell between December 2014 and December 2015. 135 youngsters were claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in the town last month, a drop of around four per cent over the 12 month period. Simon Hobday, of Jobcentre Plus in Horsham, said: “The news is very positive. “As a whole we are still going the right way.” The figures show a similar pattern across the county. West Sussex saw a 23 per cent reduction in the amount of people out of work in December with 3840 JSA claimants. In December 2014 the total was 5022. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.crawleyobserver.co.uk 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crawley.observer 3) Follow us on Twitter @Crawley_Obby 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Crawley Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.