While many signs are still pointing up for the economy in southwest Saskatchewan, employment numbers took a hit last month.

The unemployment rate in Swift Current/Moose Jaw rose slightly from 3.5% in July to 3.8% in August. The change came as a result of the labour force growing by 300 but the number of jobs stayed stagnant.

Saskatchewan's unemployment rate as a whole went up from 4.8% to 4.9%.

The big picture numbers are still good as our local unemployment rate is down from 5.1% a year ago, but the labour force is down 2800 people and there are 1900 fewer people working.