Employment Increased 0.6% in December 2009

Employment in Newfoundland and Labrador increased in December 2009. The number of people employed totalled 210,500—representing an increase of 1,300 persons or 0.6% relative to December 2008.

Employment had recorded nine consecutive months of decline beginning in December 2008 as the global recession impacted industries in this province. Although there was a slight increase in employment in September, December marked the first noteworthy increase since losses began a year ago.

On an industry basis, the largest contributors to the increase in employment in December were health care and social assistance; accommodation and food services; and transportation and warehousing. Despite the overall increase, some industries did see employment losses. Notable employment declines were recorded in business building and other support services; other services; and construction.

The participation rate for December increased 0.9 percentage points to 57.7% and the labour force increased 2.3%. Since the growth in the labour force was larger than the growth in employment, the unemployment rate rose to 15.3%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points relative to December 2008.

For 2009 as a whole, employment averaged 214,900, recording a decline of 5,400 persons or a decrease of 2.5% over the same period of 2008. The labour force increased 0.2% and the unemployment rate rose 2.3 percentage points to 15.5%.

 Glossary terms:
Labour Force | Employed | Unemployed | Unemployment Rate | Participation Rate | Employment Rate

Statistical Reference:   Statistics used in this analysis were current at the time of writing. For the latest in employment statistics visit the Newfoundland & Labrador Statistics Agency  site and the release dates on the Statistics Canada site.