Now hiring ad in newspaper. (File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo)Now hiring ad in newspaper. (File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo)
Chatham

CK hits record low in unemployment over past decade

It's a good time to be looking for work in Chatham-Kent as the municipality hit a 10 year low in unemployment.

According to recent statistics, the unemployment rate for CK is down to 5.6 per cent, significantly lower than the 12.1 per cent unemployment rate in 2010.

Geoff Wright, economic development officer for the municipality said the numbers were actually a bit surprising.

"The figures got us pretty excited," Wright said. "The numbers are on pace with the provincial and national averages. We are typically one, two, or higher, percentages than the national average. It is the first time in a decade we are on par with the provincial and national averages."

The national and provincial unemployment rates are 6 per cent and 5.9 per cent respectively.

Wright couldn't attribute the decline to anything specific. He said there are a lot of companies expanding in the municipality and added he has seen a lot of applications for building permits. Wright said the economic development team compiled a list of roughly 700 available jobs last month. He added the list was made through sources on online job boards and company websites. Wright said it is apparent that Chatham-Kent is in a hiring mode.

"I'm not sure where exactly we are today, being September, but I know companies are always looking for skilled, educated workers," Wright said. "We are hopeful to help those companies find those people."

It isn't all great news according to the economic development officer. He said there is still a "skills gap" in the municipality. He said it isn't as easy for people to find the jobs they have been trained or educated to do. He added the municipality is working on closing the gap though.

One thing the municipality found while compiling the list, is that online is the best way to find work.

"Online seems to be the way of the future," Wright said. "Folks in our employment resource centre for the municipality are more than happy to help job seekers if they're having difficulty or need assistance in locating those roles."

Wright said anyone looking for work can check out the municipalities website or visit upcoming job fairs. The next one is a Community Job Fair in Chatham at the John D. Bradley Centre on October 23, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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