THE Jobs Seekers Allowance Claimant Count figures for May released today show that for the fourth month in a row, the rate for Devon has remained constant at 2.6 per cent.

THE Jobs Seekers Allowance Claimant Count figures for May released today show that for the fourth month in a row, the rate for Devon has remained constant at 2.6 per cent.

For the first time this year the actual number of people claiming JSA in the County has fallen by just under 300. This is in contrary to the national picture which shows an increase in numbers of 7,362 or a constant rate of 4.1 per cent.

There are variances across Devon. Some of the Districts witnessing falls in the numbers of claimants are areas that are gearing themselves up for the tourist season. Falls in claimant count numbers are being seen in North Devon, South Hams Teignbridge and Torridge - areas where coastal towns may be taking on additional staff in anticipation of a busy summer.

In comparison West Devon has experienced an increase in both the number and proportion of claimants and Exeter has witnessed a slight increase in the number of claimants.

These falls may be seasonal and with the end of the summer tourist season there could be increases in the claimant numbers.