Encouraging news for Devon’s labour market

The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance has increased by just two claimants between October and November from 9,205 to 9,207, at a time of year when the rate usually climbs.

The proportion of working age population claiming this out of work benefit remains at 2% – well below the national average of 3.8%.

The number of people claiming JSA across Devon is 6.3% lower than the same time last year (622 claimants).

The number of unemployed  young  people under the age of 25 has also fallen this month from 2,730 in October to 2,700 in November – a decrease of 1.1%, following the national trend. Significantly this figure is 15.8% lower than in November 2011.

Councillor Will Mumford, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Enterprise and Employment, said;  “Overall unemployment in November shows little change. This time last year the claimant count jumped by 3.3% so this month’s position is encouraging.  Combined with much  lower levels of Job Seekers Allowance claimants than this time last year, this signals that Devon’s labour market has gained strength in recent months.  Encouragingly, youth unemployment is considerably lower than this time last year, which is particularly welcome news, given the difficulties that this age group face  in finding their first job.”

For more information, please go to www.devonomics.info/node/252