Newfoundland and Labrador started the new year on a positive note with an increase in employment for the month of January.

Results from Statistics Canada�s latest Labour Force Survey show an employment increase of 1.3 per cent, or about 2,400 jobs, compared to January 2000. This marked the first time since April 2000 that year-over-year gains were recorded in the province. The unemployment rate declined in January to 17.5 per cent, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from the same time period last year.

Seasonally adjusted, the unemployment rate stood at 16.3 per cent, down 1.4 percentage points from the previous month.

On an industry basis, employment growth was widespread with strong gains in professional, scientific and technical services, construction, wholesale and retail trade, and accommodations and food services.

"It�s great to begin the new year with an increase in employment for the province," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "These latest numbers strengthen the growing confidence in our economy."

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

2001 02 09            1:30 p.m.