The unemployment rate increased for the fourth month in a row in the Stratford-to-Bruce Peninsula economic region.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board reports the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.3% in November.
The region saw net new jobs of 2,500 in November, continuing an upward trend that began in May of 2017. Nearly all of the increase was in full-time work.
"This is good news for our local employers as we have been experiencing a tight labour market over the last several months. More people engaged in workforce activities could mean more jobs being filled," says Gemma Mendez-Smith, executive director of Four County Labour Market Planning Board.
On a positive note for the area, Abraflex held its grand opening in Paisley and estimates there is room for 200 employees and it will hire as demand grows.
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. opened an office in Port Elgin in anticipation of Bruce Power’s life extension project scheduled to begin in 2020. The location is expected to employ around 35 people.
The Bluewater District School Board hired 22 elementary school teachers and four early childhood educators because of an increase in enrollment.