Rise in Devon jobseeker numbers goes against national trend

The number of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants in Devon has increased slightly for the second month in a row.

During December 2013, the number of people claiming JSA increased by 88 claimants (1.3%) and now stands at 6,667.

Although this contrasts with the national trend, which has seen a decrease, the JSA claimant rate in Devon stands at 1.5% of the working age population, which is around half the national rate of 2.9%.

Likewise, over the last 12 months, the number of people claiming JSA has actually fallen by 2,606 claimants (a reduction of 28.1%), which is a greater decrease than experienced nationally (a fall of 21.1% over the same period).

Youth unemployment also differs slightly from the national trend, remaining static throughout November and December 2013, compared to a national decrease of 4.4%. Importantly though, over the last 12 months, youth unemployment in Devon decreased by 900 claimants or 33.6%. Again, this is a greater reduction than the UK average, which decreased by 26.5% over the last 12 months.  Overall though, youth unemployment accounts for 26.6% of Devon’s JSA claimants, slightly more than the UK average of 25%.

JSA claimants have reduced in West Devon (-4.2%), Exeter (-2.9%), South Hams (-1.6%) and Mid Devon (-0.9%) whereas there have been increases in East Devon (7.7%), North Devon (6.8%), Teignbridge (2.9%) and Torridge (1%). This reflects the larger proportion of visitor related employment in districts where there has been a rise and an upturn in Christmas employment in places such as Exeter.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “The slight increase in claimant numbers across Devon is unwelcome, but not unexpected at this time of year.

"This, however, provides further evidence to support our efforts to lobby for increased Assisted Areas Status coverage across Devon, and justifies the inclusion of Devon wards within the Assisted Areas map, particularly in northern Devon and Teignbridge.

"Devon County Council is working closely with the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Devon MPs, District Councils and central Government to help achieve this.”

For more information, visit www.devonomics.info/node/252