Walkerton (March 11, 2016) – Unlike the provincial unemployment rate which rose .2% from 6.4% to 6.6% in February, the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region saw a .1% drop from 5.7% to 5.6%.

Local employment saw a net gain of 500 jobs in both full-time (+100) and part-time (+400) between January and February 2016. Although unemployment also saw a net increase (+100), the upward trend of full-time employment since November 2015 is an encouraging sign.

Employment in the Goods-producing sector declined in February, with losses primarily in the construction (-600) and manufacturing (-1,600) industries. Meanwhile, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas saw an increase (+500) of positions.

Employment in the Services-producing Sector increased, with the highest gains (+1,200 equally) in educational services and health care and social assistance.

Young people looking for summer employment locally can access job opportunities in natural resource management. More than 2,000 opportunities are available throughout the province in programs like: Stewardship Youth Ranger, Summer Employment, Aboriginal Youth Work Exchange, First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Internships.

Over 400 employers in Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties participated in the annual Four County Labour Market Planning Board’s EmployerOne Survey. A summary of the results will be released shortly.

Following labour market events is key to helping job seekers understand where the opportunities (short, medium, long term) might be in local communities.

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