The jobless rate for the London-St. Thomas area rose in March for the second straight month, hitting 9.6 percent, according to Statistics Canada.
That’s dangerously close to double-digit territory, which some feel could be a psychological blow to residents.
But there don’t appear to be any clear answers as to why London has risen to the highest level in the country among large urban centres.
Earlier in the year London seemed to be holding steady at 8.5 percent, and the last time it was as high as it is now was in December 2011.
According to the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) the spike is partly because 2,600 people entered the workforce.
Peter White, LEDC president, says “We are continuing to have jobs available but not enough relative to the growth in our labour market. London has the largest growth of any labour market in Ontario.”
Tim Carrie, CAW Local 27 president, says the austerity drive by senior government officials is driving down employment numbers.
“They’re actually hurting the economy, they’re hurting spending power, and that creates loss of jobs. And we still have to find some kind of manufacturing policy, especially in Ontario, to deal with job losses.”
City Councillor Joe Swan, chair of the London’s Investment and Economic Prosperity Committee, says solving the unemployment issue is up to everyone.
“It’s an opportunity, even for Londoners to get involved in getting people back to work. You know if you’re planning a summer vacation – do a stay-cation – stay here in town, create employment opportunities right here in your community.”
And while the jobless rate went up, the number of Londoners who are working also increased - by 800 - in March.
