Weekly earnings of non-farm employees on the rise
Since 2008, the earnings of Canadian employees, other than the agricultural industry, has increased by 3.1% from each year to the next. Last March it stood at $915, or 0.7% higher than the previous month. Non-farm salaried employees worked an average of 33 hours per week, a little more than the previous year in the same period (32.9).
Six industry sectors recorded growth above the national average: educational services, professional, scientific and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, public administration, manufacturing and the accommodation and food services. Regarding the provinces, the average weekly earnings were highest in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario.
Slight drop in confidence for Canadian SMEs in May
The Business Barometer Index of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals optimism that was moderated in spring among SME directors. A slight decline was recorded compared to the previous month, amounting to 62.1, reaching its lowest level since the summer of 2012. Entrepreneurs' expectations, in terms of results for the next twelve months, remain uneven across the country. Business leaders in Alberta are the most optimistic, with an index that has climbed to 68.8. This is followed by Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, with indices declining for the last two provinces but still above the national average. Lagging in the rear are Quebec and Nova Scotia, with indices that have dropped below the 60 mark.
Benefits in kind are all the rage with legal professionals
A study conducted by Robert Half Legal reveals that benefits in kind are particularly appreciated by employees in the legal profession in Canada and the United States. 69% of them feel that flexible hours and the ability to do telecommuting is the best way to recruit and retain them. This is followed by free or subsidised training (50%) and on site benefits (33%) – such as childcare, a dry cleaning service, a gym and a cafeteria.
When accepting a job in another company, legal professionals are more attracted by opportunities that allow them to advance in their career or management positions (25%). Other means of enticement for hiring are a more interesting job (14%) and flexible hours and telecommuting (12%).