Employment numbers for province decrease

According to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada employment in Newfoundland and Labrador fell by 7,300 jobs or 3.2 per cent for the month of July as compared to the same time period last year. The unemployment rate for July declined by 0.7 per cent to 15.8 per cent. This reflects a drop in the overall labour force with fewer people looking for work.

Employment losses were concentrated in the goods sector with fish processing being the largest contributor to the decline.

This latest decrease reflects employment losses felt by some other provinces including British Columbia and Alberta.

"While overall employment numbers were down, the province did experience growth in some industries," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "The information, culture and recreation industry and the accommodation and food service industry recorded higher employment, reflecting the province�s strong tourism season. Unfortunately, these gains were not sufficient to offset losses elsewhere."

Media contact: Paul Power, Communications, (709) 729-6156.

2000 08 04                 3:30 p.m.