The number of people working in the province has reached a 30-year high as labour market conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador continued to improve in 2007. Further, the unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years. Compared to 2006, the number of people working in 2007 increased by 1,400 and the number of unemployed people looking for work dropped a further 3,400.

"We are on the right path forward and the latest labour market report is another indicator of our continued and steady progress as a province," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "As a government, we recognize the need to help more people adapt, succeed and prosper in today�s tightening labour market."

The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment is making significant investments in the development of the provincial labour market. In Budget 2007, approximately $4 million was committed to expand career and employment services and strengthen labour market connections for people and employers.

"Private and public sector investments are key to economic and employment growth in the province. This government supports a long-term approach in which growth within the private sector is strongly encouraged, and strategic public investments are made in labour market development, education, training and career and employment services to enable more people to capitalize on emerging opportunities in our province," said Minister Skinner.

For further information and access to a variety of labour market tools and services, please visit www.LMIworks.nl.ca.

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Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca

2008 01 17                                                   9:40 a.m.