It's possible the effects of the latest lockdown on the economy are starting to show as the London region’s unemployment rate rose for a second straight month.
Figures released Friday by Statistics Canada show the jobless rate for the London Census Metropolitan Area jumped to 8.2 per cent in April. It was 7 per cent in March.
The rise comes despite the addition of 3,600 new jobs last month, the tenth consecutive month the local economy added new positions. What appears to have driven up the rate was the number of people in the region, which includes St. Thomas, Strathroy, and other surrounding communities, looking for work. According to the federal agency, the labour force grew by 7,700 people.
There were 4,100 others who began claiming unemployment.
The participation rate, which reflects the percentage of working-age individuals employed or looking for work, rose slightly to 64.9 per cent, from 63.3 per cent.
London Mayor Ed Holder noted the figures released on Friday do not paint the complete picture of those out of work because of COVID-19 lockdowns. Statistics Canada uses a three month average for municipal numbers, meaning a more accurate economic picture of the area under the current provincial restrictions will be revealed next month.
"Difficult work is ahead, but that’s where the people of this community excel," said Holder. "I truly believe this is the final stretch, and I want us to sprint through the finish line together. Bear down, and don’t let up."
Holder went on to advise people searching for employment to visit londonjobsnow.ca.
"There are more jobs listed there today than there have been in many months, another sign our economy is ready to really rev up when it’s safe to do so," said Holder.
Nationally, the unemployment rate was also up last month to 8.1 per cent, from 7.5 per cent in March. The economy shed roughly 207,000 jobs.
Ontario also lost 153,000 positions in April. That increased the jobless rate to 9 per cent from 7.5 per cent in March.
