The unemployment rate in London hasn’t been this high in 3 ½ years.
Statistics Canada says the rate the city increased to 9.9 per cent in April, compared to 9.6 per cent in March. The last time it was at that level was November, 2009.
This means London has the highest unemployment rate for all mid-to-large sized cities in Canada.
The labour force decreased by 900, but those on unemployment increased by 700.
Meanwhile, Canada's economy managed to eke out 12,500 net new jobs in April, helping to offset some of the massive job losses in March.
The small pickup kept the unemployment rate steady at 7.2 per cent.
Economists say the fact that all of April's gains came in the form of new employees, rather than self-employment is a good sign.
They also note there was an increase of about 36,000 full-time jobs -- while part-time jobs fell by 23,600.
With files from The Canadian Press.
