Only 21.6% of unemployed eligible for benefits
By Jeff Green
Of all the unemployed in Hamilton, just 21.6 per cent of them are receiving employment insurance (EI) benefits, according to a new report that shows Hamilton has been the hardest hit city when it comes to tighter rules to access EI benefits.
The numbers, published by Press Progress, an arm of the progressive think-tank, Broadbent Institute, also show that Canada has hit a new low in terms of access to EI benefits at 36.6 per cent.
Stricter rules, introduced by the Liberals 1998 and reinforced by the Conservatives more recently lead the charge. So too does precarious employment, and an EI system linked to unemployment in census management areas (CMAs).
Article and image source: CBC Hamilton
Deirdre Pike on the Scott Thompson Show on AM 900 CHML
Deirdre Pike with the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton describes the employment climate is precarious with many workers working part-time hours, short-term contracts and temporary positions.
