The unemployment rate in Ontario was 7.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011. This was an increase of 0.1 percentage points from the third quarter, and stands 1.7 percentage points below the recent peak from the second quarter of 2009.

The total number of people employed decreased in the fourth quarter of 2011, after three quarters of continuous growth.

On a seasonally adjusted* basis, there were 13,500 fewer jobs in the fourth quarter of 2011 than there had been in the third quarter. This included a loss of 25,200 full-time positions, which more than offset a gain of 11,700 part-time-positions.

Decreases in total employment occurred in agriculture, construction and manufacturing, and in trade, transportation and warehousing, the financial sector, and information and cultural services.

Losses were partially offset by gains in natural resources and utilities, as well as in scientific services, business, education, healthcare, accommodation and food services and public administration.

* Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.