The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region has increased to 4.5 per cent.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says for the month of August, the regional unemployment rate increased by 0.2 per cent. This is compared to the province, which saw a 0.4 per cent increase, now at 6.3 per cent.
The board says the region’s labour force size saw an increase from 163,600 in July to 164,300 in August. The population not participating in the labour force also decreased by 300. This brought the participation rate up by 0.2 per cent, now at 60.3 per cent.
While there were 2,900 full-time gains last month, there were 2,500 part-time losses, resulting in a net 500 increase in the region’s overall employment size last month.
The number of goods-producing sector employees decreased in August by net 1,200. Agriculture experienced the greatest lost this month with 900 employees. This was followed by manufacturing at 800, and construction at 400. Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas experienced the largest gain this month at 12.5 per cent, following by utilities at 11.5 per cent.
Employment in the services-producing sector increased by net 1,700. Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing experienced the greatest gain this month with an increase of 1,200 employees. This was followed by information, culture and recreation at 19.2 per cent, and accommodation and food services at 16.9 per cent.
Educational services, however, again saw the biggest loss this month at 1,300. This is followed by transportation and warehousing at 300, and health care and social assistance at 1,500.
Current job postings in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth are available on the Connect2Jobs website here.
