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South West unemployment rises by 12,000

Unemployment in the South West rose by 12,000 in the three months to April, official figures have revealed. The Office for National Statistics showed that a total of 168,000 people were unemployed in the region between February and April.

The region's unemployment rate was 6.2% and saw a rise of 7.7% during the period. The worst area in the UK was the West Midlands which recorded a 19,000 increase in the number of people without a job.

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South West wages fall by 10 per cent

The TUC says there's been a big drop in pay rates Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Wages in the south west have dropped by 10 per cent in five years. The Trades Union Congress found total earnings are down by £5.7 billion. since 2007. They say reduced hours, pay rises below inflation and fewer jobs are to blame.

Full report: Westcountry food promoted abroad

Some food producers in the south west say it's impossible to export their goods because of the logistical problems and red tape they face. But that's about to change.

The trade organisation Taste of the West has set up a new international division which aims to promote the food and drink products that are available to overseas buyers and make getting them there much easier.

Adam Grierson reports.

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Plymouth enterprise programme receives £1.4m funding

A programme designed to encourage more Plymouth people to start us their own business' has secured funding of almost one-point-four million pounds.

It means the free Urban Enterprise programme can run for another two years, giving people practical advice on how to write business plans, pitch ideas, and use marketing successfully.

The project has helped 158 new businesses get off the ground in the past three years.

Demand for properties in south west is up

Demand for property in the region rose last month Credit: ITV Westcountry

Demand for property in the South West rose over the last month according to the latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

It says the Government's 'Help to Buy' scheme announcement has had an impact on the market. The amount of houses to sell also increased.

Old brewery in Redruth receives lottery funding

Lottery funding will transform this old brewery in Redruth Credit: ITV Westcountry

£9.8 million pound plans to transform an old brewery in Redruth into an archive and record centre for Cornwall have won the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It means Cornwall Council will get a grant to come up with a formal proposal for funding for the project.

The centre will house manuscripts reflecting the area's history.

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