British Columbia experienced modest growth in employment in August. The province had a net increase of 6,200 jobs, with part-time employment increasing by 16,000. This gain was off-set by a decrease of 9,800 full-time jobs.

Since August of last year, employment is up by 8,400 in the Vancouver Island and Coast region; down by 1,500 in the Lower Mainland/Southwest; up 5,200 jobs in the Kootenay region; and up 3,100 in the North Coast and Nechako region.

B.C.'s overall unemployment rate decreased from last month, from 6.7 to 6.6 per cent.

For B.C. youth under 25, the average hourly wage in August was up by 1.4 per cent compared with the year before. Employment among youth (aged 15 to 24 years) decreased in August by 4,200 jobs compared to July, and the youth unemployment rate increased slightly to 13.1 from 12.2 per cent.

Employment for men over the age of 25 was up by 1,000 jobs. Women in the same age group gained 9,400 jobs.

In August, the biggest job gains were seen in accommodation and food services, with an increase of 14,100 jobs. The manufacturing sector also added 5,600 jobs. A decrease was experienced in the goods-producing sector, with a drop in employment of 7,100 jobs.

Quick Facts:

• When the BC Jobs Plan was introduced:
• 2,270,300 people were employed in the province. As of today, 2,315,200 people are employed in B.C. - an increase of 44,900.
• The unemployment rate in the province was 7.5 per cent. As of today, the unemployment rate is 6.6 per cent, below the national average of 7.1 per cent.

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799