Doubt cast on Statistics Canada job numbers

A recent Canadian press article questioned the reliability of the monthly job data released by Statistics Canada. According to certain analysts, the results for the period from April to July 2010, which state that 227,000 jobs were created, including 170,000 full-time ones, is simply too good to be true! The article also points out that it is not the first time analysts have doubted the agency’s data.

One out of five businesses hiring students this summer

According to recent survey by workopolisCampus.com, one in five employers indicated they are hiring students this summer because they consider it to be an investment in the future generation. Student hires are also part of many respondents’ overall hiring strategy, and 62% said they would consider hiring a student on a full-time basis after a summer placement. Students are especially appreciated for the new skills and energy they bring to the team.

Youth unemployment worldwide hits record high

Based on a study by the International Labour Organisation, the unemployment rate for 18-to-24-year-olds is likely to reach 13% this year. Of around 620 million economically active young people worldwide, 81 million were unemployed at the end of 2009, the result of the economic crisis. Study author Sara Elder says that the increase will probably marginalize young people, especially those in certain regions such as Eastern Europe, where unemployment stands at 40%. The report warns of a “lost generation,” a 1970s expression referring to the slowing down of hiring and only recruiting for highly qualified positions requiring experience, resulting in the exclusion of young people from the labour market.

Ontario investing in training partnerships

Ontario has launched a new program designed to help Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Northern Ontarians take advantage of future job opportunities in natural resources, in addition to helping communities plan land use on their territory. The Northern Training Partnership Fund (NTPF) will provide grants covering up to 75% of the total cost of delivering workplace skills training. For more information: Employment Ontario.

Stepstone Solutions acquires MrTed

MrTed, an e-recruitment software provider, has just been acquired by Stepstone Solutions, a global leader in talent management solutions. The acquisition will allow Stepstone Solutions, which has a strong SME base, to gain large business clients and accelerate its global growth. The company plans to continue expanding internationally and eventually become a leader in the HR solutions market. With its acquisition of MrTed and its technologies, Stepstone extends its product line, to better satisfy existing and potential customers.

Musculoskeletal disorders: watch out for repetitive movements

Most companies polled by Aon for a survey on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) recognized that repetitive movements were a risk factor. While 59% of respondents believed that risk factors related to MSDs were addressed at their company, 50% said that their organization was not equipped with any of the typical means to monitor or assess the progress of the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases involving MSDs. In companies that had plans, 40% dealt specifically with identified risk factors and the training of all current and new employees. Furthermore, 40% of companies had a management team in place to reduce risks and prevent accidents.

Canadians spend less time commuting

Regus, the workspace solutions provider, has just released a study on commuting that reveals 20% of employees worldwide spend more than an hour and a half a day commuting. The figure is significantly lower in Canada, where only 8% of employees spend more than 90 minutes commuting a day. In the US, that number is 11%, and 31% and 26% respectively in China and India. In the US, 85% of people drive to work, while Japan has the highest rate of green transit use, with 41% of employees commuting by train, 14% on foot, 13% by subway and 3% by bicycle. The study was done with 15,000 companies in 75 countries.

Increase in senior employment rate

According to Statistics Canada, the employment rate for seniors aged 65 and older increased from 12% to 15% for men and 4% to 6% for women between 1996 and 2006. This follows declines during the 1980s and 1990s. Half of working seniors were employed in the business and consumer services sector. The most common occupation among senior men was farmer, while women were more likely to be employed as retail salespersons and sales clerks. The study noted that seniors were more likely to work if they had higher levels of education and an outstanding mortgage.

Catalyst Canada honours commitment to advancing women in Canadian business  

For its 10-year anniversary, non-profit organization Catalyst Canada has created The Catalyst Canada Honours, an award recognizing Canadian leaders’ commitment to the promotion of women in business. This year’s three winners are Ed Clark, President & CEO of TD Bank Financial Group, Colleen Sidford, Vice President & Treasurer of Ontario Power Generation Inc., and Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head of Global Human Resources & Communications at Scotiabank. The winners will be celebrated at an awards dinner on October 6, at the Arcadian Court in Toronto. Each year, the Catalyst Canada Honours recognizes a Company/Firm Leader, a Business Leader, and a Human Resources/Diversity Leader.