The regional unemployment rate in the area that includes Bruce and Grey counties fell to 3.8 per cent in June, even though net employment decreased slightly compared to May.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says more than 1,500 full-time jobs were created in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region last month, offset by losses of around 2,100 part-time positions.
The jobless rate can decrease even with a fall in net employment when more people drop out of the labour force, such as those who stopped looking for work. According to the Labour Market Planning Board, the region saw its labour force decrease slightly from May to June, from 159,900 people employed in May to 159,300 folks working in June.
Four County Labour Market Planning Board Executive Director Gemma Mendez-Smith says the region is seeing its unemployment numbers approach pre-pandemic levels, and businesses are on the hunt for workers.
“We are hearing from employers across sectors that there is a huge need for employees so a focus on growing our workforce is critical to workforce development in the near future,” Mendez-Smith explains.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board advises there are currently over 2,300 job postings available at the regional portal for Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties.
The wholesale and retail trade (+1,900), agriculture (+400) and construction (+300) sectors led the employment gains in June.
The greatest job losses came in the accommodation and food services (-2,200) and finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing industries (-1,200).
Ontario’s provincial unemployment rate for the month of June also fell to 8.4 per cent. Nationally, it was down to 7.8 per cent as more than 230,000 new positions were created across the country.