CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has welcomed new figures showing that fewer than 400 people in his constituency are claiming Job Seekers' Allowance.

Mr Stride said: 'These latest employment figures are really good news. By backing businesses, creating better infrastructure and lowering taxes there has been greater job creation nationwide and I am very pleased with the figures released today showing that more people than ever are now in work.

'There is always more that can be done, but by continuing to follow our long-term economic plan I am very confident that we will stay on the right course.'

In Central Devon the number of people claiming Job Seekers' Allowance in 2010 was 875 and that figure now stands at 368.

The new figures released also show public sector pay rising by 1.8 % on the year and private sector pay up 2.2 % – well ahead of inflation at 0.5%.