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Just up Highway 24, Brantford-Brant continues to buck the provincial trend when it comes to jobs.
The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie says employment in the area increased for the seventh straight month in August.
The local unemployment rate also moved in the right direction, dropping 0.2 percentage points to 6.2 per cent, according to Statistics Canada.
That’s below Canada’s unemployment rate of 6.4 per cent and Ontario’s rate of 6.9 per cent.
The provincial picture wasn’t as positive. Ontario lost 18,000 jobs in August, while its unemployment rate increased slightly. The Ontario NDP pointed to the numbers while calling on the Ford government for a stronger plan to protect jobs.
Closer to home, employment growth was concentrated in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, along with information, culture and recreation.
About 1,800 new jobs were posted on the Grand Erie Jobs platform in August, down three per cent from July. Retail salespeople, truck drivers, food counter attendants, material handlers and secondary school teachers were among the most in-demand positions.
Job seekers also have two chances to connect with employers this month.
The Brantford Steps to Employment fair is September 16 at the Gihekdagye Friendship Centre, followed by Grand River Employment & Training’s annual job fair September 24 at Gathering Place by the Grand in Ohsweken.
Written by Jeremy Hall
