The Sault’s unemployment rate is up and the number of people employed or actively looking for work is down according to the latest numbers from Stats Canada.  The unemployment rate came in at 8.1% last month which compares to a rate of 7.8% for the same month a year ago.  The participation rate dropped more than 2% to 53.1%  as the rate combines both the number of employed with those unemployed but actively looking for work.  There are more people not working than working in Sault Ste. Marie as reflected in the employment rate at 48.8%.