New Brunswick saw a drop in its jobless rate in November – down to 9.6 percent from 10.1 percent in October according to Statistics Canada.
The employment increase was nearly all in full-time work and the four Atlantic Provinces have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.
In the province’s two largest cities, the unemployment rate edged up slightly in Moncton to 8.3 percent and fell slightly in Saint John to 9.9 percent.
The national rate also dipped last month to 8.5 percent continuing a steady drop from well into the double digits in the spring.
Stats Can says COVID-19 restrictions are continuing to impact the accommodation and food services sectors.
Meantime, employment grew in industries less impacted by the pandemic including retail, transportation and warehousing.
In addition, growth in self-employment stalled compared to the public and private sectors.
