NLIS 4
June 7, 2002
(Human Resources and Employment)

 

Newfoundland and Labrador remains solid with slight gain

The latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada reports that employment for the province stood at 216,500 for May 2002, an increase of 200 jobs or 0.1 per cent, as compared to the same period in 2001. While growth slowed relative to that recorded over the past year, gains are still being realized and employment in May was at a record high for that particular month.

On a year-to-date basis, employment growth has averaged 2.1 per cent as compared to the first five months of 2001.

The unemployment rate for May 2002 was 18.5 per cent, as compared to 17.2 per cent in May 2001 due to strong gains in the labour force. "Individuals continue to feel that work is available and are entering the labour force in search of employment," said Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "This optimism should continue to drive labour market growth."

Industries which showed growth included manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, management services and educational services.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, employment decreased by 1.5 per cent, while the unemployment rate increased 1.5 percentage points to stand at 16.8 per cent. Seasonally adjusted data looks at patterns of employment change within the current year from one month to the next, whereas the actual data compares employment this year to employment last year.

"An increase in employment is always good news. We have experienced a rise in employment every month this year and this increase has been maintained in May," said Minister Wiseman.

Media contact: Simon Lono, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2002 06 07                              12:15 p.m.


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