For the first time since before the pandemic, the unemployment rate in the London area has fallen below five per cent.
Figures released Friday by Statistics Canada show the London Census Metropolitan Area had a jobless rate of 4.8 per cent in April, down from 5.3 per cent in March. The London CMA includes St. Thomas, Strathroy, and other surrounding communities.
The latest jobless rate figure continues a downward trend that began in June of 2021, when the unemployment rate was 9.6 per cent.
According to Statistics Canada, roughly 2,300 jobs were created in the area last month.
Nationally, the jobless rate fell to a record low of 5.2 per cent in April, down slightly from March's 5.3 per cent. An estimated 15,300 net new jobs were created across the country.
In Ontario, the rate saw a slight increase to 5.4 per cent in April. The jobless rate in March was 5.3 per cent.