JSA claimant numbers fall to lowest on record

In line with the national trend, the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) in Devon fell in September and is now the lowest level on record in the County. It now stands at 4,233 claimants, or 0.9% of the working age population.

Over the past year the number of people aged 24 and under claiming JSA has also decreased from 1,810 to 980, which is 23.2% of the total claimants in Devon, although this figure is up slightly from 955 in August.

At 0.9% of the working age population, the Devon claimant rate  is significantly below the national average of 2.3%.

At a district level, overall JSA claimant numbers fell across the County, with the exception of North Devon, which registered a small increase in JSA claimants  from 0.8% to 0.9% between August and September.

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, cabinet member for Economy and Growth said: "The latest JSA figures are very encouraging for Devon and its economy as a whole, providing further evidence of an economy that’s on the mend.

"However, we are not complacent and are continuing to focus on attracting inward investment through our Devon Delivers campaign and helping drive forward our economy alongside organisations such as the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

"In particular we are making a very strong case for and are securing greater levels of Government funding for significant infrastructure in Devon, including Mobile 4G Connectivity, road improvements in North Devon and Exeter Science Park – announced on the 8 October by Government Minister Greg Clark.

"Addressing youth unemployment in our county remains a key priority for the council. As part of the  Plymouth and South West Peninsula City Deal, we are working in partnership to ensure Devon’s young people are able to enter work more easily and progress in their careers, through measures such as Mentoring and the Youth Deal wage progression pilot – the largest of its type in the country."