News Release
September 2017 – Unemployment Rate Slightly Increased After Record Low
Media Information:
Gemma Mendez-Smith
Walkerton, ON (September 8, 2017) – The August unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region rose by 0.5% points to 3.4%, the result of more people participating in the labour market as more people searched for work. At the same time, the unemployment rate in Ontario was little changed, drop 0.1% to 6.3% in August.
Employment in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region increased by 2,900 in August, continuing an upward trend since July of 2017. The gain was mostly in part-time work (+3,500). Over the same period, employment in full-time work declined by 700.
Employment in the Goods-producing sector saw a small decline of 100 in August. Fewer people worked in Manufacturing (-700) and Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (-400), whereas the Construction (+600) and Utilities (+400) saw the biggest gains.
In contrast, employment increased in Services-producing sector, led by Health care and social assistance (+2,700), Wholesale and retail trade (+1,400), Transportation and warehousing (+900), and Information, culture and recreation (+700). There were smaller increases in Professional, scientific and technical services (+100). Losses were greatest in Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (-1,100), Public administration (-500), Other services except public administration (-500), and Accommodation and food services (-400).
Favourable employment news in August includes the opening of Cowbell Brewery complex in Blyth with around 100 employees. Construction on an expanded Foodland grocery store is scheduled to begin in September 2017 in Owen Sound. The 34,000 sq. ft store is expected to open in spring 2018 and will create approximately 60 new jobs. Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc., a mattress retailer, is hiring sales associates for its new store in Owen Sound.
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Note: Statistics Canada’s monthly Labour Force Survey provides estimates of employment and unemployment, based on a sampling of households in communities. Stratford-Bruce Peninsula figures represent a three-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality.