Employment rate rises in Brantford and area last month

Brantford

(Jan. 10, 2025) –

Employment in the Brantford area was up by an estimated 1,000 people in December, pushing the jobless rate down to under 5%

Brantford-Brant’s unemployment rate dropped by almost a full percentage point last month to 4.8%, down from November’s 5 7%, according to Statistics Canada figures, which are based on a threemonth moving average and adjusted for the season.

Norfolk’s unemployment rate was 3.8% in December, the lowest on a monthly basis in 2024. Since December 2023, the employment rate for Norfolk is up by 2.7% and there have been gains in both fulltime and part-time work.

Employment in Canada last month grew by 91,000 and the jobless rate dipped to 6.7%. Men aged 55+ accounted for 41,000 of that employment growth, while 21,000 more women 55+ were also working. Ontario saw employment increase by 23,000 and the unemployment rate nudged down to 7.5%.

“Seeing increased employment in Brantford-Brant and Norfolk, as well as nationally, is certainly good news,” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie. “The hope is that the gains can be sustained and aren’t just short term.”

The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 non-profit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning.

The Workforce Planning Board is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario

Traditionally, there’s additional hiring by retail businesses in November and December for the holiday season However, there have also been employment gains in manufacturing, a major industry in this area

Dalton cautioned that while the local jobless rate has dropped for three straight months, the number of people employed in the Brantford area is still down from the Spring and Summer of 2024

“We’ve heard for several months that, in general, local businesses have slowed hiring, and employment counsellors trying to help people find work have confirmed that,” she said.

“There’s also been fewer job posting on our Grand Erie Jobs job board.”

Just over 1,000 new postings appeared on Grand Erie Jobs in December, a 27% decrease from November, which had also seen a sizeable drop The number of companies with postings in December fell 15%.

The top postings were for jobs in health care and the service industry, including stores and restaurants.

Sandra Marlene James

JANUARY 12, 2025

Peacefully, at home, on Sunday January 12, 2025, of Paris, in her 76th year.

Beloved mother to Patrick (Christie) and Katie Ludlow (Kristin); cherished grandma to Eloise and Isabel; dear sister to Bette Williamson (Ron) and the late Donna.

Friends and family will be welcomed at St Paul’s United Church (48 Broadway St. W. Paris) on Monday January 20, 2025, for a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM with Rev Sarah Horvath officiating.

Donations to Nova Vita would be appreciated Online Condolences and Donations may be arranged through www wmkippfuneralhome com or by contacting WM. KIPP 519 442 3061

MARY ISABELLE CHURCHILL (GILLIES) JANUARY 9, 2025

Mary Isabelle Churchill (Gillies) passed away January 9 2025 at the age of 83 Beloved wife of the late Roy Churchill (2014). Mother of Tracey and Jason (Sandi Mac Millan). Grandmother of Alex Churchill (2018) Grace and Lauren Churchill She is survived by her brother Bob Gillies (Barb), sistersin-law Lavada (Dave-2022),