Business
May labour force survey shows massive job loss
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The May labour force survey shows some encouraging signs, says BC Finance Minister Carole James.
Despite ongoing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BC created 43,300 jobs in the month of May. There have been 353,200 total job losses since the pandemic began, and BC’s unemployment rate is currently at 13.4 per cent.
“Behind the numbers, there are many thousands of families, young people and businesses struggling to make ends meet,” said James.
More than 510,000 British Columbians have received the $1,000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers. The province has also worked with the federal government to expand the 75 per cent wage subsidy and protected businesses from evictions.
“As more and more workplaces begin to reopen, there’s reason for increased confidence amongst consumers, which is critical to our recovery,” said James. “Despite COVID-19 impacts, BC is an economic leader in Canada. This, together with people’s exceptional co-operation in managing the health-care crisis, puts us on a solid foundation for economic recovery.”
The survey results released today reflect job and employment information collected from May 10-16, before BC’s gradual reopening had fully begun.
For information on services and benefits available to help people and businesses through the pandemic, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVIDgovernmentbenefits