The unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased by 0.1 percentage points in April.
That's according to the latest jobs numbers from the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. The slight decrease puts the unemployment rate in the region at 5.2 per cent, keeping the region at the lowest unemployment rate in Ontario for a fourth straight month.
The provincial unemployment rate remained unchanged last month at 7.5 per cent, with both rates unadjusted for seasonality. Employment in the region decreased by 2,400 in April, with losses in full-time employment at 900, as well as losses in part-time employment at 1,600.
According to the labour planning board's numbers, the region’s overall population aged 15+ increased by 400, while the labour force size decreased by 2,700 people. The number of people not in the labour force in the region increased by 3,100 in April.
Current Job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region have increased overtime since the pandemic and can be found at www.connect2JOBS.ca. The current number of job postings currently exceeds 1,500.
"We continue to monitor the local workforce as participation rates in the region continue to decline," shared Dana Soucie, Chief Executive Officer for the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. "Collaborations and innovative programs remain critical as we move forward to address our unique rural workforce needs."
