The number of Exmouth residents on the dole has increased by more than a quarter since September.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that, during December 2014 and January 2015, there were 218 Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants living in the EX8 area.

The figures are up from 171 in September – the lowest number for 31 years.

Of the JSA claimants, 69 live in the town centre, 41 in Litleham, 20 in Withycombe and 60 in Brixington.

Across Devon, JSA claimants increased by 273, or 6.8 per cent.

The larger increase in Exmouth may be linked with the end of seasonal temporary jobs at the end of the summer season.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for economy and growth, said: “The increase in the numbers of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance is to be expected at this time of year, given the seasonal nature of our economy here in Devon.

“However... our continued investments in projects that support high-value jobs will help to create year-round opportunities.”