Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth counties lost 1,000 jobs in January.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says that lead to an jobless rate of 5.1%, up 0.8 per cent.
Over the past year though, employment in the region jumped by 4,000 which is a 2.7 per cent increase.
That's higher than the national year-over-year increase of 0.7 per cent.
The local unemployment rate continues to be lower than Ontario's rate as well.
Labour Market Planning Board spokesperson Gemma Mendez Smith says a recent study found about half of employers are looking outside the region to fill skilled positions. She says local and timely certificate and modular training could address the issue.
The Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region has seen a net increase of business by 476 between June 2013 and June 2014.
Mendez-Smith highlighted the new Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities - Canada-Ontario Job Grant that will play a key role in reducing the above statistic. The grant provides funds for employers to train existing staff and new hires
Over the 12 months leading up to January, the local participation rate continues to increase from 64.4% in 2014 to 65.5% in 2015.
“As people participate in the labour market, our unemployment rate has increased. In recent surveys and local conversation with Employment Ontario service providers, employers have indicated their need for workers.” says Gemma Mendez-Smith of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. “With an increased participation rate, employers have more potential candidates to fill positions.”
The Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region has seen a net increase of business by 476 between June 2013 and June 2014.
