The number of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants in Devon is lower than for the same period last year for the first time in 2012.

This is despite figures remaining fairly constant over the past month.

The rate of working age population claiming out of work benefits remains at two per cent and the claimant count has risen by just two from 9,271 to 9,273.

Although Devon’s figures go against the national trend, which has seen a slight decrease in unemployment between July and August of 0.2 per cent, the number of JSA claimants is lower than in August last year.

Youth unemployment has fallen very slightly from 2,760 in July to 2,745 in August - a 0.5 per cent monthly decrease.