Employment numbers show best July since 1989

According to Statistics Canada�s Labour Force Survey, employment for the province continued to make gains in July.

Employment increased 3.2 per cent, or 7,500 jobs last month, as compared to the same time period last year. This has brought year-to-date employment growth to 2.1 per cent. Along with the employment increase, there was a decrease in the unemployment rate which dropped by 1.3 percentage points to 13.8 per cent, as compared to July 2001. This is the lowest unemployment rate for the month of July since 1989.

"Employment in Newfoundland and Labrador has grown every month this year," said Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "Furthermore, new major project developments and growth in the service sector bode well for employment prospects for the remainder of the year."

Employment gains were widespread in both the goods and services sectors. Industries recording growth included manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical services, management services, and accommodations and food services.

Social assistance caseloads continue to show a general downward trend with an active case count of 28,097 for the month of July - the lowest July figure since 1991.

Minister Wiseman concluded: " The continued good news of stronger employment figures, coupled with the general drop in the social assistance caseload, demonstrates the long-term improvement of our provincial economy."

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

2002 08 09                              1:35 p.m.