Sector Losses
Accommodation and food services and manufacturing are two sectors that are the largest declines in May – both declining by 6,000 jobs. The largest decline by percent over the last three months are Accommodation and food services, -46%. It is clear that service industry particularly food services have suffered major declines in Hamilton and across the province.
Sector Gains
May was the first time Phase 1 opening was introduced in Ontario – allowing some government restrictions to lift which lead to employment in four industries increasing in Hamilton. Construction saw the largest increases in employment, increasing by 1,100 jobs 3%. This was followed by Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+900 jobs) and Public administration (+500 jobs). Agriculture interestingly has seen consistent job increases in Hamilton over the last three months, employing 3,800 workers in May.
The chart below shows the change in employment in Ontario from April to May 2020 during the pandemic.