The number of residents across the region who are employed is seeing a slight increase month-over-month.

That’s according to Statistics Canada’s latest report which notes Wood Buffalo – Cold Lake added around 300 jobs in July.

This is the fifth straight month the region has seen an increase in employed residents.

According to a recent study by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism, there are at least 3,100 unfilled positions.

The wholesale/ retail trade sector and the information, culture and recreation sector each saw the biggest monthly growth, adding around 500 jobs.

The accommodation and food services sector also added approximately 300 spots.

The region’s biggest sector – forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil, and gas – saw a small drop of around 100 positions.

Meanwhile, the local unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 per cent.

The provincial rate decreased to 8.5 per cent, while the federal unemployment rate dropped to 7.5 per cent.