Midwestern Ontario's unemployment rate has risen for the first time in 2015.
According to the Four County Market Labour Planning Board, the region's rate rose 0.9% in July to stand at 5.4%, which is the first rise in the Stratford to Bruce Peninsula area in six months.
Wholesale and retail trade lost 1,900 jobs in July, making it the hardest-hit sector. Education came a close second, with job losses totalling 1,400.
Full-time employment dropped a whopping 3.5%.
The region is still below the national unemployment rate, which rose 0.1% last month to stand at 6.8%.
“Job losses in education were not surprising since local layoffs were anticipated. However, job losses in the other sectors indicates how unpredictable the local economy can be and highlights why we need to remain flexible and keep our skills transferable, ” says Four County Labour Market Planning Board Executive Director Gemma Mendez-Smith in a media release.
The Four County Market Labour Planning Board covers Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth Counties.
In June, the region's unemployment rate fell 0.8% to 4.5%.
