Employment numbers down; some sectors show growth

Employment numbers for Newfoundland and Labrador dropped slightly in October according to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada.

For October 2000, employment in the province decreased 0.8 per cent, or 1,600 jobs, as compared to the same time period last year. The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points from the same month last year. Seasonally adjusted, the unemployment rate stood at 16.6 per cent, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from September 2000.

The decline in year over year employment was concentrated in the fishery, construction and educational services.

"While we did see a decrease in jobs from the same time period last year, some industries are continuing to show consistent growth," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "Professional, scientific and technological services such as engineering, architecture and accounting have performed well over the past few months."

Other industries that showed growth included accommodations and food services, information, culture and recreation services and retail trade.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2000 11 03 11:55 a.m.