Jobs down in north-east West Sussex over the past year, according to latest employment data
Latest employment data for January 2026 shows the number of employees on payroll in the north-east of West Sussex was 201,908, down -0.4 per cent on the same month last year.
In the most recent month, businesses reported that payroll fell by 53 indicating continued pressure on jobs.
Overall, employment in the north-east of West Sussex – which covers Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex districts – remains lower than a year ago, with employers reporting payroll headcount down 838 (-0.4 per cent) year-on-year.
The figures are based on analysis of the latest Office for National Statistics payroll data by the employment and pay app WageSight.
Compared with other towns and cities in the South East, the north-east of West Sussex ranks ninth out of 21, placing it mid-range for employment change.
The trend in the north-east of West Sussex reflects a mixed employment picture across the South East, with some areas reporting improvements while others continue to see pressure on payroll numbers.
Nationally, employment levels have shown a mixed picture over the past year, creating a challenging backdrop.
Paul Hebden, WageSight director, said: “The latest figures underline the continued pressure on employment in West Sussex (North East).
“Payroll remains down compared with last year, and recent month-on-month data suggests employers are still cutting back.”
It remains too early to say whether recent changes mark the start of a sustained shift, or a temporary fluctuation.