Gradual Recovery
Following two months of job losses, totaling 73,800 jobs, the unemployment rate reached 12.5% with the latest figures showing a net of 600 jobs gained in Saskatchewan in May.
Part-time employment made up approximately 100% of the month’s job gains, with 5,100 jobs added, while full-time employment saw losses of 4,500.
Re-entering the Labour Force
Businesses in the province have been gradually opening back up amidst the lifting of public health restrictions, resulting in in 8,300 people re-entering the labour force in May. A total of 47,400 people have walked away from the labour force in the past two months.
Employment by Industry
In Saskatchewan, the goods-producing sector saw job losses of 600, compared to 8,800 losses in April. Losses also took place in construction (-1,400); utilities (-400); and forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (-700). Job gains were seen in agriculture (+600) and manufacturing (+1,500).
The services-producing sector experienced a gain of 1,200 jobs compared to the 44,100 jobs lost last month. The biggest gains were seen in wholesale and retail trade (+4,100); business, building and other support services (+600); and accommodation and food services (+1,200). Losses took place in professional, scientific and technical services (-800) and information, culture and recreation (-2,300).
Jobs Lost in the Saskatoon Region
Cities across the province painted a different picture, with total job losses of 24,400, as smaller communities provided most of the province’s small gain in jobs this month.
The Saskatoon Region (CMA) experienced another 7,500 jobs lost, while the unemployment rate surged to 12.4% from 9.8% in April. Despite the increase in those entering the labour force across the province, the Saskatoon Region saw another 3,000 people leave the labour force market.
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