The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased by 1.1 per cent points in September to 2.7 per cent, which is currently the lowest in Ontario.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says in a release, this represents the Grey Bruce Huron and Perth region’s lowest unemployment rate since December 2019.
The provincial unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.8 per cent.
Overall employment in the region decreased by 2,100, consisting of 900 full-time losses and 1,300 part-time losses.
The number of goods-producing sector employees decreased significantly by 4,100.
The construction sector saw the biggest loss this month (-2,100) followed by agriculture (-1,600).
Manufacturing experienced a slight gain (+500).
Employment in the services-producing sector increased by net 1,900.
The labour board says many of these industries continue to see slow gains. Accommodation and food services experienced the largest gain (+1,300) while wholesale and retail trade experienced the biggest loss (-1,000).
Planning board Executive Director Dana Soucie says in a statement, “With an aging workforce and an alarmingly low number of active job seekers; many local employers are facing long standing, and critical job vacancies.”
Soucie adds, “It is more important than ever to explore, understand and remove barriers being faced by job seekers who are currently not able to participate in the workforce.”
The labour board says current job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region have increased over time since the pandemic and can be found at: www.connect2JOBS.ca.
The board says it is updated regularly and encourage job seekers to create an account and track job opportunities.
They say their current number of job postings currently exceeds 2,600.
