EI numbers continue to fluctuate on P.E.I.

The number of Prince Edward Islanders receiving employment insurance benefits fell sharply in July, continuing a trend of volatility in 2016.

Statistics Canada reports 7,440 Islander receiving EI in July, down 440, and close to the 2015 average of 7,410.

The average in 2016 has been higher, 7,621, and has fluctuated a lot, from a low of 7,410 in January to a high of 7,880 in June.

July's dip coincides with a 9.6 per cent unemployment rate, the lowest since January. With the rate climbing back over 12 per cent in August, it seems likely EI recipient numbers will continue to be volatile.

• Almost 10,000 on P.E.I. looking for work

Nationally, new rules making it easier to get EI in some regions had the number of recipients up 4.4 per cent.

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