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Unemployment

Unemployment

Current Trend 

The unemployment rate for Chatham-Kent has decreased. The unemployment rate was 8.4% in Chatham-Kent in 2015 and 6.4% for the province. In 2018, the unemployment rate for Chatham-Kent decreased to 5.8%, which is only slightly higher than the Ontario rate of 5.6%. Overall, the unemployment rate improved by 31% from 2015 to 2018, where the Ontario rate only improved by 13% from 2015 to 2018. In 2019, unemployment is Chatham-Kent was 6.4% but rose to 9.2% for 2020 compared to the Ontario unemployment rate of 9.6%. In 2021, unemployment rate dropped for Chatham-Kent and Ontario, Chatham-Kent dropped to 7.3% and Ontario to 8%.

Desired Trend 

A decrease in the unemployment rate for Chatham-Kent residents.

Why is this measurement important?

Unemployment is often associated with difficult living conditions, low socio-economic status, and health and social problems. Unemployed people tend to experience more health problems. Long-term unemployment could extend one's susceptibility to poor health. 

Unemployment can lead to financial instability, stress, and decreased self-esteem and, accordingly, may have severe impacts on mental and physical health and overall well-being. As such, low rates of unemployment are indicative of population well-being.

How is this measured?

Number of Ontarians without work, who are available for work, and are actively seeking work versus the number of total number of working Ontarians.