News in brief: A look at news, facts and figures shaping the world of payroll professionals

Nova Scotia to provide ADP $2.3 million payroll rebate • Average weekly earnings up 2.5 per cent in May • Number of Canadians receiving EI unchanged in May: StatsCan

Nova Scotia to provide ADP $2.3 million payroll rebate

DARTMOUTH, N.S. — ADP Canada has announced plans to create up to 250 new full-time jobs over five years at its offices in Dartmouth, N.S.

The province, through Nova Scotia Business, is supporting the expansion by offering ADP Canada a payroll rebate worth up to $2.3 million over the next five years.

"Jurisdictions around the world compete for the kind of growth ADP has chosen for its Nova Scotia operation," said the president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business, Stephen Lund. "Nova Scotia's advantages and the payroll rebate combine to make this a win for the province and the company."

Cindy Jeffrey, vice-president, client services, employer services division of ADP, said organizations of all sizes are choosing it to provide payroll, human resources and benefits services and expertise so they can focus on growing their business.

"As this demand continues to grow, so too does our presence in Nova Scotia," she said.

ADP provides human resources, payroll and benefits software worldwide and has about 50,000 clients in Canada.

ADP opened its facility in Dartmouth in 2006, which currently has a workforce of about 350.

Average weekly earnings up 2.5 per cent in May

OTTAWA 
— In May, average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees were $894.61, up 2.5 per cent on a year-over-year basis, according to Statistics Canada.

The 2.5 per cent increase in earnings in the last year reflects a number of factors, including wage growth and changes in the composition of employment by industry, occupation and level of job experience, according to Statistics Canada.

Average hours worked per week can also contribute to increases in earnings. In May, however, non-farm payroll employees worked an average of 32.9 hours per week, unchanged both from the month prior and from 12 months earlier. This is the second increase following five consecutive months of year-over-year declines.

Year-over-year growth in average weekly earnings outpaced the national average of 2.5% in five of the largest industrial sectors: construction, educational services, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and manufacturing. In contrast, earnings declined in health care and social assistance, said Statistics Canada

Number of Canadians receiving EI unchanged in May: StatsCan

OTTAWA 
— The number of people receiving regular employment insurance benefits in May remained virtually unchanged compared to the month prior, according to Statistics Canada. About 512,600 Canadians received EI payments in May.

There was little or no change in beneficiaries in most provinces in May. Alberta saw the largest change, with the number of people receiving regular EI benefits decreasing 2.3 per cent to 24,000. In Ontario, the number of beneficiaries edged down 0.9 per cent to 148,200, following a substantial decline in April.

To receive EI benefits, individuals must first submit a claim. The number of claims provides an indication of the number of people who could become beneficiaries. Nationally, the number of initial and renewal claims fell by 9,910, or 4.2 per cent, to 223,800 in May. The largest percentage decline was in Saskatchewan, where claims fell 11 per cent.

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