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Victoria businesses ‘desperately looking’ for workers

Greater Victoria has one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates (5%), and the city’s tight job market means that many employers are on the hunt for workers.
empress_hotel_victoria_credit_gts_productions__shutterstockcom_
Victoria's Inner Harbour. Employers in the capital region are 'desperately' searching for workers, according to Garth Yoneda, GT Hiring Solutions manager of community relations | Photo: GTS Productions, Shutterstock.com

Greater Victoria has one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates (5%), and the city’s tight job market means that many employers are on the hunt for workers.

“Employers are desperately looking for people,” Garth Yoneda, GT Hiring Solutions manager of community relations, said today.

At a WorkBC job fair he organized November 2, he had to turn away employers wanting to participate in the event. A total of 47 employers showed up, representing a range of sectors.

The event attracted 811 job hunters, he said. Yoneda said there was particular demand in the construction sector, which is “really hurting for people.” A steady demand for home care workers continues.

“This should be a time for slowing down in the restaurant and food and beverage industry and it is not (happening).”

It seems that employers are more willing to hire people who need to be trained on the job, Yoneda said.

The next major job fair is March 16.

Provincially, B.C. leads the country with the lowest unemployment rate among provinces and territories.

Last month, employment climbed by 15,000 in B.C., Statistics Canada said.

Times Colonist