“Better for apprenticeship achievements, healthy life expectancy and life satisfaction“
“Worse for median weekly pay, employment rate and gross disposable household income” [Office for National Statistics]
In a report out today, the investigative journal the Exeter Observer looks at how the city’s economy is (not) doing:
Census figures also show population increasing at nearly six times rate of job creation over past decade while healthcare, wholesale/retail and teaching make up nearly half of all employment, reflecting low pay and productivity. Decline in Exeter economic activity levels among largest in country – Exeter Observer
Whilst the Sid Valley’s economy is very much about tourism and farming, it is nevertheless very much tied to that of Exeter.
But what ‘metrics’ does this Exeter Observer piece point to which would be of immediate relevance to the Sid Valley?
Looking at the Census, East Devon’s level of economic activity is very similar – at only 53% of the population; retail and health are also the top areas of activity: 2021 Census Profile for areas in England and Wales – Nomis and Employment in local authorities, England and Wales: Census 2021 – Office for National Statistics
There is more comparative study from the ONS – and they have an interactive map:
We have created an interactive tool to present the findings for our analysis. Results for each cluster are presented in this tool across all seven themes. Local authorities of interest can be selected from the drop-down menu, and text summarising the clusters is shown. Clustering local authorities against subnational indicators, England – Office for National Statistics
Here’s the overview from the map:
East Devon is in the Higher health and well-being, lower connectivity cluster
Local authorities in this cluster are:
- Mostly situated in South West and East of England
- Mostly rural
- Better than the median for apprenticeships achievements, healthy life expectancy and life satisfaction
- Worse than the median for gross value added, public transport to work, broadband connectivity and KS2 expected standards
Here’s the look at the economy – which isn’t very good:
East Devon is in the Below median on all economic metrics cluster
Local authorities in this cluster are:
- Mostly situated in North West and East Midlands
- Mostly urban
- Better than the median for None
- Worse than the median for gross value added, median weekly pay, employment rate and gross disposable household income
So, interestingly, East Devon’s economy is being compared to that of the North West – with bad pay and low income.
This is confirmed by the county council from last year: Labour Market Overview – Devonomics
With more here:
‘Skills gap in the South West’ – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Are Sidmouth and the South West good places to work and to do business? – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Bulls**t jobs vs key worker jobs – Vision Group for Sidmouth