Statistics Canada is reporting a significant increase in the unemployment rate in London-St. Thomas.
According to the federal numbers agency, the local jobless rate climbed to 6.3% in October from 5.5% in September. About 1,300 jobs were lost, while the number of people looking for work climbed by 800.
Nationally, the economy added just over 35,000 jobs, but an increase in the size of the labour force led to an increase in the unemployment rate to 6.3%. Over 88,000 new full-time jobs were created, while there was a drop of over 53,000 in the number of part-time jobs.
Ontario’s jobless rate also jumped. It is up to 5.9%, up from 5.6% in September. Victoria B.C. continues to enjoy the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 3.8%, while St. John’s Newfoundland has the highest at 8.8%.
