Province experiences employment decrease

Newfoundland and Labrador saw a decrease in employment for the month of November.

According to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada employment in the province decreased by 1.8 per cent or 3,800 jobs compared to November 1999. As in October, losses were mainly in industries such as the fishery, construction and educational services. In contrast, growth in professional, scientific and technical services continued. Gains were also reported in accommodations and food services along with information, culture and recreation.

The unemployment rate rose to 15.8 per cent, an increase of 1.4 percentage points as compared to the same time period last year.

"Year over year employment losses are somewhat disappointing," said Julie Bettney, Minister of the Department of Human Resources and Employment. "However, they are losses against a backdrop of strong employment growth over the past few years. Despite November�s decrease in employment, numbers continue to be stronger than those throughout most of the 1990s."

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

2000 12 04 9:35 a.m.