B.C. employee headcount decreased in June after a flat May to maintain the lacklustre trend of hiring, according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada’s Survey of Employers, Payroll and Hours (SEPH). Payroll counts (including unclassified businesses) fell 0.2 per cent to 2.6 million. On a year over-year-basis, payroll headcounts rose marginally by 0.1 per cent. Excluding unclassified businesses, employee headcount decreased by 5,399 positions (-0.2 per cent) to 2.5 million from May to June. The services sector recorded a decline of 3,910 positions (-0.2 per cent), while the goods sector recorded a decrease of 1,489 positions (-0.2 per cent).

SEPH numbers dropped in July’s Labour Force Survey employment reading, but B.C. employment remains significantly stronger year-over-year at 1.5 per cent. However, SEPH is a better indication of job creation........

© BIV