Survey Results – February 2012

Workforce Planning Hamilton (WPH) thanks the 49 employers who completed the February 2012 Workforce Check-Up and shared how many jobs were gained or lost at their companies during the month of January 2012. We hope this survey will become a monthly habit for Hamilton employers and HR professionals as WPH continues to monitor the local workforce and plan for future labour market development.

The next Workforce Check-Up Survey will be sent out on March 6th and will close on March 15th at 4:30pm. The results will be released within a week of closing the survey. If you are interested in participating, please call 905-521-5777 or email cyndi.ingle@workforceplanninghamilton.ca.

The Workforce Check-Up provides a monthly snapshot of labour market activity in Hamilton. WPH cannot verify the statistical validity of this information.

Labour Force Trends

The unemployment rate in Hamilton in January 2011 was 6.6%, and was 6.3% in January 2012. The comparison of Hamilton to neighbouring CMAs, such as Toronto and St. Catharines-Niagara, revealed that Hamilton had the lowest unemployment rate in January 2012. Toronto had a rate of 8% and St. Catharines-Niagara had a rate of 7.5%.

Overall Jobs Gained/Lost

0

10

20

30

40

50

Jobs Gained Jobs Lost

Net Gain

44

14

30

Key Findings of Survey • The results of this month’s Workforce Check-Up revealed that the

majority of employment change in Hamilton occurred in the manufacturing, construction, other services (except public administration), and healthcare/social assistance sectors.

• Thirteen industries are represented in this month’s survey. The top five industries based on number of participants include: health care

• and social assistance; manufacturing; other services (except public administration); construction; and educational.

• Respondents of this month’s survey reported a total of 44 jobs created, both full and part-time, while 14 jobs were lost, for a net gain of 30 jobs.

According to respondents, 62% of companies did not experience any change in their workforce during the month of January 2012. However, those industries that did experience change include: construction; health care and social assistance; manufacturing, educational, and other services (except public administration). The following diagram highlights the top industries and occupations that experienced the greatest amount of change in January 2012.

77 James St. N., Unit 117, Hamilton, Ontario L8W 2K3 (p) 905-521-5777 (f) 905-521-9309

e-mail: info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca web: www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca

Jobs Gained Jobs Lost

Construction Carpenter

Manufacturing Machine Operators

Other Services

Marketing Co-ordinator

Healthcare/Social Assistance

Personal Support Workers

Arts, Entertainment

Administration