Led by declines among youths, employment decreased by 39,000 in July, and the unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 7.2%. With this decrease, employment gains have averaged 11,000 per month over the past six months, slower than the average of 27,000 observed during the preceding six-month period.
Since July 2012, employment has increased 1.3% (+226,000). At the same time, the number of hours worked has grown 0.7%, as part-time employment rose at a faster pace than full time (+2.2% versus +1.1%).
Chart 1 Employment
In July, employment declined in Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba as well as in Newfoundland and Labrador. At the same time, there were increases in Alberta, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.
Employment was down in health care and social assistance, public administration and information, culture and recreation. These declines were partly offset by gains in business, building and other support services.
There were fewer people working in the public sector in July, while there was little change in the number of private sector employees and the self-employed.
Employment declines were concentrated among youths aged 15 to 24, as a result of less hiring this July compared with previous Julys. There were also declines among women aged 55 and over, while there was little change among people aged 25 to 54 and men aged 55 and over.
The employment rate of returning students aged 15 to 24 was similar to that of July 2012. However, fewer students were working full time.
Chart 2 Unemployment rate
Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at
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