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

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

The number of people claiming JSA across Devon is 6.3 per cent 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.

This is a decrease of 1.1per cent following the national trend. Significantly, this figure is 15.8 per cent lower than in November 2011.

The statistics were revealed by Devon County Council.