The London-St. Thomas jobless rate rose slightly in June.
Stats Canada says the unemployment rate rose to 5.5 per cent last month, up from 5.3 per cent in May.
The local economy added 1,200 jobs in June, the labour force swelled by 1,800 while there was an extra 600 people who claimed unemployment.
The participation rate continued its upward trajectory, rising to 61.5 per cent in June. It’s risen almost a full percentage point over the last five months.
Nationally, Canada added 31,800 jobs last month. With more people searching for work, Statistics Canada reported the national unemployment rate rose to six per cent.
The labour force survey showed the jobless rate for June increased from 5.8 per cent in May to break the six per cent barrier for the first time since last October.
Overall employment was little changed in the first six months of 2018, following notable growth in 2017.
Employment increased in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. There was little change in the other provinces.
35,000 jobs were added in Ontario in June, however the jobless rate rose to 5.9 per cent due to an increased number of people looking for work. Ontario’s unemployment rate stood at 5.7 per cent in May.
More people were employed in construction, natural resources, and manufacturing. At the same time, employment decreased in accommodation and food services, and in agriculture.