The number of people in Devon claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) has fallen for the fourth consecutive month.

The claimant count across the county has fallen from 8,999 people in May to 8,855 in June, a 2% fall, smaller than last month’s 5% drop.

Seasonal employment continues to push unemployment figures down but the slow growth rate means that figures are not as low as last year.

The working age population in receipt of JSA has dropped steadily from 2.2% in March to the current figure of 1.9%. The national figure remains the same as last month, at 3.7%.

Councillor William Mumford, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “While we welcome the steady drop in the unemployment figures, there is still considerable pressure on the county’s economy.  Seasonal employment is helping to keep figures stable and whilst reports I have had are suggesting a strong tourism season we need to keep our focus on the medium term economic health of the County.”