August 2026 Unemployment Stats: A Quiet Summer Before a Busy Fall?
August is traditionally a quieter month for hiring, and this year was no exception. With summer vacations in full swing, decision-makers away from the office, and many businesses operating at a different pace, hiring activity can naturally slow down. However, while direct hires can slow down over the summer, About Staffing saw gains with temporary roles as employers required additional coverage to fill in the gaps.
In August, Canada’s unemployment rate stayed the same at 6.4%. Employment decreased by 42,000 jobs, which was a surprise to many economists who predicated a gain of 15,000 jobs.
While the numbers give us a quick snapshot of what happened in August, we’re also looking ahead at what typically comes next.
September Is Historically a Big Month for Hiring
September has traditionally been one of the busiest times of year, when it comes to movement in hiring.
By the end of August, people are returning from summer holidays, leadership teams are back at the table, and businesses are refocusing on the commitments they want to accomplish before year-end. Hiring decisions that may have been put on hold during July and August start moving again.
There’s also a natural shift in the workforce. Summer employees and students head back to school, which can create gaps that need to be filled. Businesses begin looking at their fall workload, upcoming projects, and start filling in the gaps of what needs to be done.
What We’re Seeing at About Staffing
“We’re optimistic about what the fall will bring. Even in these first few days of September, we’re already feeling a shift in energy across the job market. September isn’t just a busy time for employers. It’s also a popular time for professionals to make a career move, explore new opportunities, and take that next step.”
We have seen growth in temporary roles this summer, with employers looking to hire for short term projects. For job seekers, these roles can be a great way to get your foot in the door, build connections, and gain valuable experience. In many cases, temporary positions can also lead to permanent opportunities, so we encourage job seekers to keep an open mind when considering temporary work.”
— Cristina Schultz, Recruitment Manager, About Staffing
We tend to see a mix of candidates entering the market, including people returning to the workforce after time away, professionals who used the summer to think about their next move, recent graduates beginning their careers, and employees who are simply ready for change.
What We Expect Heading Into September
After a slower period over the summer, we’re anticipating hiring activity to build through the fall. That doesn’t necessarily mean every industry or employer will suddenly start hiring at once.
For employers, now is a good time to look at where there may be gaps on your team and whether you’ll need additional support this fall. Start deciding what needs to happen, what you would like to happen, and what kind of role is needed to support your current team.
For job seekers, it’s a good time to get prepared. Update your resume, reconnect with your network, think about the types of opportunities you’re interested in, and make sure you’re ready when the right role comes along.
August may have been quieter, but September is here and generally, that means hiring is about to get busy.