The percentage of people on social assistance in the Hastings-Quinte area who are earning money from a job is higher than the provincial average.
A recent report to the Community and Human Services committee indicates that, as of this spring, just over 16% of the local Ontario Works caseload reported earnings from work.
This is nearly 4% higher than the provincial average.
Also 44 people left the social assistance program in March due to finding employment.
As of March, the Ontario Works caseload sat at 2,797 representing a little over 4800 people.
The report indicates the caseload usually increases sightly in the first quarter of the year since employment opportunities decline at that time.
There was a notable increase in average earnings due to the increase in the minimum wage in January.
The committee had called for the report in an effort to assist municipalities in responding to current labour market vacancies within individual communities and to promote the Hastings County employment program.
