The latest figures from Statistics Canada are painting an encouraging picture of the London-area economy.
The federal agency reported Friday that the unemployment rate for the London Census Metropolitan Area was 8.9 per cent in September, down from 9.3 per cent in August. September marked the third straight month that the jobless rate fell in the London CMA, which includes St. Thomas, Strathroy, and other surrounding communities.
According to Statistics Canada, the London area added 4,200 jobs last month. The number of people working or looking for work hit 279,800 in September, an increase of 3,300.
“The fact we have more people employed in London today, especially during the midst of a pandemic, compared to September of last year is truly a testament to the resiliency and ingenuity of local employers, and our highly talented workforce,” said London Mayor Ed Holder. “While these figures are encouraging, we still have work ahead of us in order to ensure London’s economic recovery continues.”
Nationally, the unemployment rate was 9 per cent, down from 10.2 per cent in August. The Ontario jobless rate fell from 10.6 per cent in August to 9.5 per cent in September, as the provincial economy added 168,000 jobs.
