100% rise in unemployment figures

The number of people out of work in Devon and Cornwall has risen by more than 100% in the last 12 months.

In April there were 11,499 registered unemployed people in Devon, 150% more than in April 2008.

In Cornwall 9,425 people are without jobs, a rise of 101%. In Torbay the increase is 103% and in Plymouth 99%.

The region has been badly hit by the recession with the closure or relocation of a number of manufacturing and hi-tech engineering firms.