Vol. 9 Issue 3, September 17, 2020
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Your weekly news & updates from WPH!
In this week's edition: Canadian workforce's impact on commuting; Female entrepreneurship during COVID; Online interview strategies; Who's Hiring in Hamilton?; Hamilton LMI August 2020
The Canadian Workforce's Impact on Commuting During COVID-19

The abrupt halt in ridership on Canada’s buses, trains and subways, which began in mid-March as part of an effort to
prevent the spread of COVID-19, resulted in a historic year-over-year passenger decrease in April 2020.

Following a 42% decline in March, the number of passenger trips fell 85% in April. Roughly 4 in 10 Canadian workers had jobs that could be carried out from home, with substantial variation across industries and provinces. Financially vulnerable workers, such as younger workers
or those with lower levels of education, were less likely
to have jobs for which telework was an option.

graphic-metro-travelers.jpg
COVID-19 May Turn the Clock Back On Female Entrepreneurship


Statistics Canada confirms small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with under 20 employees have been the hardest hit during the pandemic, and because women are more likely to own newer and smaller businesses, they are most affected.

During the pandemic, 40.6 per cent of women-owned businesses had to lay off employees. Among them, women-owned business laid off a disproportionately a higher percentage of their workers — 62 per cent laid off 80 per cent of their employees, which is much higher than the 45 per cent observed for most businesses.

Not only are women shouldering the brunt of unemployment, they are also bearing the burden of unpaid caregiving, including child care, home schooling, household duties and elder care. The top challenge identified by women entrepreneurs is child care. Women report feeling like failures at both roles of worker and parent, adding to mental health challenges and family stress.

Asynchronous Video Interview: The Latest Interview Trend & How to be Successful

Companies are shifting towards virtual hiring. With staggering unemployment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking for work for the first time in years. Those returning to the market may be shocked to find hiring has increasingly moved online.

Asynchronous Video Interview (AVI) is different from a Skype or Zoom interview, because it involves no online conversation with an interviewer or organization. Applicants receive an email invitation to participate, click a link and then record audio or video responses to the questions.

Who's Hiring in Hamilton During COVID-19?

New job board provides opportunities for businesses and job seekers
With support from the city’s Economic Development Office we are sharing a new platform for Hamilton businesses and their local employment needs. During these unprecedented times there is a desire for real-time information on job opportunities across many sectors in our city.

Hamilton Labour Force Information:
August 2020

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Economic Development, and the Flamborough and Stoney Creek Chambers of Commerce, are closely monitoring and assessing new developments pertaining to COVID-19, as well as its impacts on Hamilton business.

Workforce Planning Hamilton | 905-521-5777| info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca | www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca