The unemployment rate locally last month saw a minor jump of 0.7 percentage points, now bringing the total to 4.4 per cent.
The monthly numbers punched for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region show overall population increased by 300 in December but a total decrease of 800 in employment size.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says job gains were seen utilities, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying and oil while drops were seen in the goods producing sector, construction, agriculture and manufacturing.