ISTANBUL

Canada's payroll employment rose by 13,500 in August, the country's statistical agency reported Thursday.

The figure followed an increase of 39,500 in July and a decline of 22,900 in June, said Statistics Canada.

Payroll employment in August was up 176,700, compared to the same month last year.

Job vacancies, meanwhile, remained relatively stable in August at 518,300 after three consecutive months of declines.

Vacancies were down significantly, falling by 176,300, or 25.4%, compared to August 2023.

In August, monthly payroll employment increases were recorded in health care and social assistance with a gain of 12,000, or 0.5%, followed by public administration which rose 5,400 and wholesale trade increasing 3,600 -- both gaining 0.4% each.

The gains in August, however, were offset by declines in six sectors -- entertainment and recreation, administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, which fell 2,400 apiece.

Average weekly earnings in August showed little change after a 0.9% increase in July, the agency reported.

Average weekly earnings grew by 4.6% in August, compared to the same month last year.