The unemployment rate in the Greater Toronto Area was 8.6 per cent at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, increasing 0.7 percentage points from the previous quarter. This still remains below the peak in the third quarter of 2009.

Full-time employment retreated for the first time in over a year in the fourth quarter of 2011.

On a seasonally adjusted* basis, 22,400 full-time positions were lost in the fourth quarter of 2011. A gain of 2,200 part-time jobs partially offset this loss, resulting in a total employment decrease of 20,200 positions in the fourth quarter.

Full-time job losses occurred in agriculture, utilities, construction and manufacturing, as well as in trade, transportation and warehousing, the financial sector, business, healthcare and public administration services.

These losses outweighed gains made in natural resources, as well as in scientific, information and cultural and accommodation and food services.

* Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.