Devon has a culture of enterprise and resourcefulness. However average wages and productivity are low and given the variation across Devon, skills shortages present a barrier to growth in some parts of the county. Jobseekers Allowance claimant rates have decreased over recent years and are highest in Torridge. Average wages in Devon are below the England average and similar local authorities. The local authorities with the highest proportion of people with no qualifications are North Devon and West Devon and the lowest is Exeter. There is variation in the proportion of people claiming health-related benefits (Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit) in Devon with the highest levels in North Devon and Torridge. Welfare reform is expected to have a considerable impact in Devon with estimates suggesting that more than £250 million will be taken out of the Devon economy in 2015-16. Food poverty (the inability to afford or have reasonable access to food which provides a healthy diet) is a significant issue and is increasingly affecting people in low paid employment.
This section provides an overview of employment, income, skills and benefits. Devon has a culture of enterprise and resourcefulness. However average wages and productivity are low and given the variation across Devon, skills shortages present a barrier to growth in some parts of the county.