Devon unemployment lower than UK average

The total number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance has increased by 545 claimants between December and January from 9,273 to 9,818, however, this is not unexpected given the seasonal nature of Devon’s labour market.

This is in line with the national trend which also saw an increase between December and January.

Claimant count in Devon at 2.2% of the working age population remains considerably lower than the national figure of 3.9%.

The latest trend was expected due to a reduction in seasonal employment after Christmas.

Year on year the number of people claiming JSA in Devon has fallen by 1,161 claimants or 10.6%, faster than the fall seen nationally, which was 4.1% over the year.

For young people, the trend follows a similar vein.The number of people aged 24 and under claiming JSA rose from 2,675 in December to 2,815 in January in Devon and again follows the trend seen nationally.

However, youth unemployment in Devon is around 20% lower (or 720 claimants) than a year earlier and here in Devon, is falling at a faster rate than the UK average when yearly comparisons are made

Leader of Devon County Council, John Hart says: "Despite the expected increase in people claiming Jobseekers Allowance after Christmas, the number of claimants across Devon continues to show a downward trend and is considerably lower than this time last year. This shows the relative resilience of Devon’s labour market in these difficult economic times. What is particularly positive is the significant fall in youth unemployment since a year ago, a trend which is hoped to continue into 2013."