Walkerton (Oct. 9, 2015) – The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region jumped up .5% from 6.1% in August to 6.6% in September, while the province’s rate remained steady at 7.1%.

This rise in the local unemployment rate can be attributed to an overall employment loss of 7,000 jobs. Trade, comprised of wholesale merchants in farm products, food, beverage and tobacco products and building and material supply products, saw the largest loss of 5,500 jobs. Educational services continued to lose ground with a loss of 800 additional jobs.

Job losses locally were in full-time employment, a loss of 8,600 positions, while part-time employment grew by 1,600 positions. This reflects the province’s labour market activity which saw a loss of 59,400 in full-time positions, and an 8,700 increase in part-time employment. Trade lost the most ground provincially with a total loss of 17,100 positions, followed by a 7,500 loss in Educational services.

While the province gained ground in Manufacturing, with an increase of 6,000 positions, the local region saw the most growth in Other services. This growth can be attributed to 1,300 job gains in services such as automotive repair and maintenance, funeral services and personal care services. Finance, insurance real estate and leasing also gained ground last month with the addition of 700 jobs.

The Four County Labour Market Planning Board, one of 26 non-profit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning, continues to with businesses and community groups to address the most pressing concerns, deliver the most up-to-date information, and the catalyst for building a strong economic climate through community activities.

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