Table 5.1 provides an overview of economic activity and employment in Devon. This reveals economic activity, employment and self-employment rates above the South West and national averages. Unemployment rates are below South West and England levels. Levels of economic activity, employment and self-employment are higher in males than females, with a higher level of unemployment and economic inactivity amongst females.
Table 5.1, Economic activity and employment in Devon, 2016
Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics, March 2016
Figure 5.1 shows that Devon has a higher proportion in professional, technical and skilled trade occupations, and a lower proportion in elementary, sales and service occupations.
Figure 5.1, Devon employees by occupational group, 2016
Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics, March 2016
Figure 5.2 shows industry of employment in Devon for 2014. Higher levels of employment in agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying and utilities are evident. High levels are also seen in relation to public administrative and health. High levels of population growth and development contribute to higher levels of employment in construction and property, with tourism influencing higher levels of employment in accommodation and food services. Lower levels of employment are seen in relation to manufacturing, transport & storage, information & communication, financial & insurance industries, professional, scientific & technical industries, and business administrative and support services.
Figure 5.2, Industry of Employment in Devon, 2014
Source: Business Register and Employment Survey, Office for National Statistics, 2014
In relation to those actively seeking work, the job seekers allowance claimant count rate in Devon stood at 0.8% of the working age population in 2015, compared with 1.1% in the South West and 1.8% in England. Figure 5.3 shows claimant rates for communities in Devon, which range from 0.0% to 3.8%. The highest rates are seen in areas of Bideford, Exeter, Tiverton and Barnstaple. Above average rates are also seen in some rural areas of the county, including parts of Torridge, West Devon, Mid Devon, and in the Axminster area. Figure 5.4 shows the trend in Job Seekers Allowance claimants by local authority from 2005 to 2015. This highlights the pattern shown nationally, with an increase in claimant count rates during the recession of 2009 followed by a gradual decrease over recent years, and a particularly sharp decrease between 2014 and 2015 partially reflecting changes to the benefits system. Rates by district were highest in Torridge (1.2%) and lowest in East Devon, North Devon and the South Hams (all 0.6%).
Figure 5.3, Job seekers allowance claimant rate by Devon LSOA, 2015
Source: Claimant Count, Office for National Statistics, 2015
Figure 5.4, Job seekers allowance claimant rate by local authority and year
Source: Claimant Count, Office for National Statistics, 2015