Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region adds 1,200 jobs in December, reports labour market planning board

The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region fell by 0.2 percentage points to 4.1 per cent, with more people employed and searching for work, reports the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.

The local labour force grew by 900 people in December, continuing an upward trend since June, 2017. The provincial unemployment rate in December fell by 0.1 percentage points to 5.1 per cent.

Compared with 2016, net employment in the region increased in 2017 by 3,500. The number of people employed in the goods-producing sector rose by 6,000 while employment in the services-producing sector decreased by 2,600.

Employment increased for the seventh consecutive month (+1,200) in December, as a notable gain in part-time work (+2,100) was partly offset by a decline in full-time employment (-900). The gain was mainly attributed to more jobs in the services-producing sector. However, compared with 12 months earlier, the number of goods-producing sector employees rose by 8,700, while services-producing sector employees decreased by 2,100.

The employment in the goods-producing sector saw its largest monthly gains in Agriculture (+900) and Utilities (+600), and its biggest losses in Manufacturing (-2,700) and Construction (-1,300). Overall, the goods-producing sector saw a net loss of 2,300 jobs.

Employment in the services-producing sector edged up 3,500 in December. The added employment over the same period was driven by gains in Health care and social assistance (+1,900) and Wholesale and retail trade (+1,500). Losses were observed in Business, building and other support services (-1,200) and Professional, scientific and technical services (-500).

Kinectrics Inc., a Bruce Power supplier, broke ground on renovations to the old Bi-Ax building at the Bruce Energy Centre near Tiverton, creating 30 to 50 jobs. Employers continue to have ongoing job openings in the region.

The fourth annual EmployerOne Survey is open until Jan. 31. Employers in Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties are encouraged to complete the survey to help with local and regional workforce planning.