Norfolk’s employment picture looks bright thanks to new full-time jobs.
Norfolk’s unemployment rate stood at 5.9 per cent in December, down dramatically from the 11% of December 2010, according to Statistics Canada figures released Friday by The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie. Norfolk’s jobless rate is well below the national (7.5%) and Ontario (7.7%) averages.
"I am greatly encouraged by the latest employment data. Norfolk is lower than both the national and the provincial numbers,” said Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale.
“However, there is always more that can be done, and Council continues to look at all available options to encourage development and growth. I am also pleased with the activities of both SCOR and the Sand Plains Community Development funding program. These ventures have made a significant contribution to these positive results."
Norfolk’s job growth is coming in full-time jobs. Norfolk had 27,700 full-time jobs in December, up 3,200 year over year. The number of part-time jobs remained steady over the last year, at 5,400.
“The good news is we’re seeing more full-time jobs year over year,” said Jill Halyk, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board. “That’s what you want to see.”
By comparison, Ontario and Canada have been losing full-time jobs, according to Statistics Canada. New jobs created in December came from part-time jobs and self-employment.
The Workforce Planning Board’s own monthly survey of Grand Erie employers shows little change in employment in December. Of the 80 employers who participated, three-quarters reported their staffing level was unchanged. Fourteen employers reported hiring 29 people, while 10 firms laid off 24 positions, with most of those jobs being seasonal.
The Workforce Planning Board is one of 25 non-profit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning.
