Devon’s youngsters have borne the brunt of the unemployment crisis created as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – with levels tripling in a year.

In line with the rest of the UK, Devon has experienced an increase in youth unemployment over the past 12 months due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

As of March 2021, 6.7 per cent of those aged between 18-24 within the county were claiming universal credit – 4,135 individuals, Thursday’s full Devon County Council meeting heard.

This represented a near tripling from March 2020, when just 2.7 per cent of young people – 1,350 individuals – were claiming similar unemployment benefits.

Following the onset of the pandemic in March – July 2020, youth unemployment across the county rapidly increased to 7.5 per cent, county councillors were told, and while the rate had fallen, there was then another increase over the past two months as the third lockdown has been implemented.

But Cllr Rufus Gilbert, cabinet member for economy, said that the council was supporting an economic recovery programme to address the issues.

Cllr Gilbert added: “In the short term, it is expected that this temporary increase will disappear as the County continues along the Government’s current unlocking roadmap, but it is currently anticipated that the overall unemployment rate will increase slightly in the second half of 2021 as normal conditions return, and emergency assistance programmes and furlough assistance ends.

“However, it is anticipated that this increase will be short lived, with a steady drop in unemployment then expected during 2022 and 2023.

“With regards direct support for young people and unemployment, Devon County Council has been extremely active over the Covid period supporting programmes and pathways to allow young people to access work and other training and learning opportunities.

“This includes supporting partner organisations across the area around delivery of the Government’s Kickstart programme, with over 1,000 jobs created or in the process of being created across the County for those aged between 18-24, working with schools and colleges through our shared Careers Hub and Post 16 Transitions programme to support movement into college and other opportunities outside of work."