The April unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region is experiencing another decline, now sitting at 3.3 per cent.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says the unemployment rate for the region decreased by 1.2 per cent points last month, remaining the second lowest in the province.
The overall net employment in the region increased by 2,800, with 200 full-time losses and 3,000 part-time gains.
The number of goods-producing sector employees increased by net 800, with the main driving force coming from 1,400 in utilities. Construction, however, experienced a loss of 900.
The employment in the services-producing sector increased by net 2,000, and while healthcare and social assistance see continued loss of 2,300, wholesale and retail trade saw a 2,600 gain to offset the losses.
Executive Director for the board Sarah Pelton says, “while we are seeing increases in employment in some sectors, including utilities and wholesale and retail trade, the extremely low local unemployment rate continues to be challenging for employers who are struggling to fill positions.”
The provincial unemployment also decreased by 0.6 per cent points, now sitting at 5.6 per cent both unadjusted for the season.
Current job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, and Perth region have increased overtime since the pandemic and can be found on the Connect 2 Jobs website.