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London

Unemployment rate up slightly in London-area

While the toll the latest lockdown has taken on the local economy remains to be seen, more new jobs were added in the London-region for the ninth straight month.

According to figures released Friday by Statistics Canada, the London Census Metropolitan Area, which includes St. Thomas, Strathroy, and other surrounding communities, created approximately 1,300 additional jobs in March.

However, with 2,000 more people entering the labour force and 700 others looking for work, the region's unemployment rate increased slightly to 7 per cent in March. That is up from 6.9 per cent in February, which was the lowest level the jobless rate has been since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than a year ago.

"These numbers, of course, do not reflect the strain that many in our workforce, and across Ontario, are currently facing as a result of the latest province-wide lockdown," Mayor Ed Holder noted. "Our economic and physical health depends on our ability to control the virus. Throughout the pandemic, we have proven not only that our economy is one of the most resilient anywhere in Ontario, but more importantly - we've also demonstrated that Londoners possess unmatched determination, paired with a relentless devotion to community."

Holder went on to encourage Londoners to support one another and to offer assistance where possible to local businesses.

"Even with the stay at home order, there are lots of way to support local business: delivery, curbside pickup; you can even buy a gift card online to use later," said Holder. "That kind of support truly matters, and comes at a time when it's desperately needed."

The number of people employed in the area in March was 274,300, up from 273,000 in February.

Nationally, the unemployment rate fell last month from 8.2 in February to 7.5 per cent. The drop came as the Canadian economy added 303,000 jobs.

Ontario added 182,000 jobs in March, according to Statistics Canada. That helped lower the jobless rate to 7.5 per cent last month from 9.2 per cent in February.

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