Survey Results – March 2012 Workforce Planning Hamilton (WPH) thanks the 51 employers who completed the March 2012 Workforce Check-Up and shared how many jobs were gained or lost at their companies during February 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 on April 10th and will close on April 19th 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 February 2011 was 6.8%, and was 6.1% in February 2012. The comparison of Hamilton to neighbouring CMAs, such as Toronto and St. Catharines-Niagara, revealed that Hamilton had the lowest unemployment rate in February 2012. Toronto had a rate of 8%, and St. Catharines-Niagara had a rate of 8.5%.
Overall Jobs Gained/Lost 25 20 15
21 14
10
7
5 0 Jobs Gained
Jobs Lost
Net Lost
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Key Findings of Survey •
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The results of this month’s Workforce Check-Up revealed that the majority of employment change in Hamilton occurred in the manufacturing; other services (except public administration); finance and insurance; and healthcare/social assistance sectors. Fifteen industries are represented in this month’s survey. The top five industries based on number of participants include: health care
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and social assistance; manufacturing; construction; agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; and educational. Respondents of this month’s survey reported a total of 14 jobs created, both full and part-time, while 21 jobs were lost, for a net loss of 7 jobs.
According to respondents, 71.7% of companies did not experience any change in their workforce during the month of February 2012. However, those industries that did experience change include: health care and social assistance; manufacturing, finance and insurance, and other services (except public administration). The following diagram highlights the top industries and occupations that experienced the greatest amount of change in February 2012.
Jobs Gained Manufacturing
Healthcare/Social Assistance
Production/Sales account managers
Jobs Lost Construction
Sheet metal workers
Transportation
Moving crew
Manufacturing
Steel industry
Personal Support Workers
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