Employment in Canada’s foodservice and accommodation industry fell for the third consecutive month in December 2020. Net employment fell by 56,700 jobs in December compared to November. In addition, 70,300 industry workers were still employed, but not working any hours.
In the past three months, nearly 130,000 jobs have been lost in the foodservice and accommodation industry due to government-mandated closures of on-premise dining in many jurisdictions across the country. During this time, employment in Quebec fell by 57,700 jobs and employment, while Ontario employment dropped by 45,200 jobs. Out west, net employment declined in Manitoba (-11,700 jobs) and Alberta (-9,800 jobs).
Overall, net employment in December 2020 was 316,800 jobs below February 2020 levels. This represents, by far, the largest job loss gap of any industry. While employment in many industries remains below pre-COVID-19 levels, net employment in the professional, scientific and technical services industry in December was 74,500 jobs above where it was in February 2020.
