THE number of people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance in Mid Devon rose by 104 in the latest figures – accounting for a 60 per cent increase across the district.

It was warned that the number of people claiming JSA would be up for February following the shock closure of Broad Oak Toiletries in Tiverton.

Across the county, there are now 3,924 people claiming JSA, 172 more than in January.

A spokesman for Devon County Council said a small rise is to be expected at this time of year due to the seasonal nature of Devon’s employment and that the figure is still 13.6 per cent lower than the same period last year.

The spokesman added: “Most districts experienced small increases in claimant numbers, the largest increase being in Mid Devon which rose by 104 claimants – 60 per cent of the total increase for Devon.

“While Mid Devon’s increase represents a sizeable chunk of the overall rise in claimants for Devon in February, Mid Devon’s claimant rate is still very low, at 0.9 per cent of the district’s working-age population.”

Mid Devon was left stunned last month when the historic toiletries company announced it would cease trading. It saw more than 200 people lose their jobs.

Mid Devon Council has been working hard with people affected to find new jobs.

Cllr Ron Dolley said: “I think there are plenty of job opportunities out there for people.

“But it’s not just the closure of Broad Oaks which I think is perhaps seeing an increase in the number of people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance – people are now working for longer and some of those older people who can’t find jobs are thinking they will have to claim.”

He said improving weather may help combat the rise in joblessness, saying: “It means that places such as hotels will soon be looking for summer season staff.”

The number of JSA claimants aged 24 and under in Devon rose by just five since January.

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for economy and growth, said: “It is encouraging to see February’s figures well below those from the same period last year – total claimants for Torridge (an area of historically high JSA levels) are now at the sixth lowest level on record. However, we as a council recognise that more needs to be done, and we continue to work closely with businesses and educational institutions to ensure the overall trend for reductions in JSA claimants continues.

“This includes continued collaboration on LEP-wide schemes to boost high-productivity employment