The London region’s unemployment rate was down in November, but it wasn’t the result of more people finding work.
Figures released Friday morning by Statistics Canada show the jobless rate for the London Census Metropolitan Area went from 6.5 per cent in October to 5.9 per cent last month. In the last seven months, the region’s unemployment rate has only posted declines twice. The other drop came in September.
While Friday’s numbers may appear positive, a closer look shows job seekers are struggling.
With only 100 additional jobs added in November, the decline in the rate is largely being attributed to the drop in the local labour force. According to Statistics Canada, there were 1,800 fewer people in the area looking for employment.
The London CMA includes St. Thomas, Strathroy, and other surrounding communities.
Nationally, the unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage points in November to 5.1 per cent. The month prior the jobless rate sat at 5.2 per cent. The economy added 10,000 jobs last month, Statistics Canada said. Industries with the biggest gains included finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, manufacturing, and recreation. Areas that lost positions were construction and retail trade.
In Ontario, the rate went down slightly to 5.5 per cent last month. The jobless rate in October was 5.9 per cent.
