The Stratford to Bruce Peninsula region experienced a drop in employment in February similar to national jobless levels.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says the local unemployment rate inched up 0.5 per cent, to 5.6 per cent in Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties.
Compared to the previous month, 1,200 local full time jobs disappeared, a drop of 1 per cent. But there were 900 new part time jobs, an increase of 2 per cent.
Professional, scientific, information, culture and recreation employment declined more than 4 per cent. Health and social assistance jobs were down by 2.6 per cent.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board’s (FCLMPB) survey revealed that employers often find they cannot fill a position because of too few applicants. While they mainly rely on word of mouth for recruitment and hiring, job seekers are still relying on job ads to find employment.
“There is an obvious disconnect between an employer’s main method of recruitment and job seeker approach,” said Gemma Mendez-Smith of the FCLMPB. “It is important for job seekers in this climate of increased participation rates to connect with employers. Learning to network effectively can improve hiring chances.”
