The unemployment rate in the Barrie region was unchanged from the third quarter, remaining at 7.2 per cent at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011. This remains 2.0 per cent below the peak at the end of 2009.

On a seasonally adjusted* basis there were 4,500 fewer full-time jobs in the fourth quarter of 2011 than there had been in the previous quarter. A gain of 2,200 part-time positions partially offset this loss, resulting in a total employment loss of 2,300 positions.

The majority of quarterly full-time losses occurred in construction and public administration, with a combined loss of more than 4,500 jobs. Layoffs also occurred in trade, the financial sector, scientific services, business, and healthcare.

These job losses more than offset gains in agriculture, utilities, and manufacturing as well as in transportation and warehousing, education and accommodation and food services.

* Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.