Work
JUMP AHEAD
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A large public sector
Nearly one out of every three workers in Kingston is employed in the health and education sector. The number of public workers is concentrated in a small number of large employers. The top ten public sector employers in Kingston employ five times as many workers as the top ten business employers.
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census & KEDCO, Major Employers 2011
Unemployment remains stable
The average seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for those over the age of 15 for the first half of 2011 was 6.1 per cent in the Kingston CMA. The national average for the same period was 7.9 per cent and the provincial average was 8.5 per cent. The rate increased 2.5 per cent from the second half of 2010. Overall, our unemployment rate has remained relatively stable in the past two years, although it is higher than in 2007.
Hiring outlook is weak
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey forecasts that hiring in Kingston will be soft for the second quarter of 2011. While Ontario is expected to grow 15%, the prediction for Kingston is just 3%. In comparison, Peterborough is expected to grow 23% and Belleville is expected to remain at near zero growth.
Source: Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Canada Q2, 2011
Labour shortages ahead?
The 1000 Islands Region Workforce Development Board predicts a significant decline in the proportion of our population in the prime working years (25-64) over the next 15-20 years. In their report, Trends, Opportunities, Priorities Report: A Lens On Local Industry In 2011, they say
“…a critical labour shortage is looming due to large cohorts of workers retiring in the coming years.”
Source: Trends, Opportunities, Priorities Report: A Lens On Local Industry In 2011, 1000 Islands Region Workforce Development Board
Educated workers are in demand
Because of the knowledge economy and the large health and education sectors the demand for educated workers is high in Greater Kingston. According to 2006 Census figures, almost half (48.8%) of the jobs in Frontenac County required a college education, apprenticeship training or university education compared to 42.5% in the counties of Leeds and Grenville. The demand for educated workers is expected to increase in coming years according to the 1000 Islands Region Workforce Development Board.
Source: Trends, Opportunities, Priorities Report: A Lens On Local Industry In 2011, 1000 Islands Region Workforce Development Board
