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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...
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UK Manufacturing Faces Turbulent Times Amid Trade Challenges

British manufacturers are grappling with a challenging economic landscape as trade uncertainties and rising costs weigh heavily on the sector. The S&P Global UK Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for manufacturing fell to 44.9 in March, marking its lowest point since October 2023. This decline reflects a contraction in activity, with new export orders dropping at the fastest rate since August 2023.

The downturn has been attributed to multiple factors, including the threat of tariffs from the United States, increased payroll taxes, and a rise in the national minimum wage. Smaller manufacturers have been hit particularly hard, with many reporting a decline in new orders and reduced business optimism. Only 44% of manufacturers expect output to increase over the coming year, a significant drop from 56% in the previous month.

Geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns in key markets such as the US and Europe have further compounded the challenges. Despite these headwinds, the services sector has shown resilience, offering a glimmer of hope for the broader economy.

The manufacturing sector now faces an uphill battle to regain momentum, with industry leaders calling for government intervention to address the mounting pressures.

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