Those receiving employment insurance benefits fell to 672,170 in July, down 4.5% from June, Statistics Canada reported today. Compared to the peak in June 2009, the number of people receiving employment insurance is down by 157,100.

However, the number of initial and renewal claims for employment insurance rose to 247,890 in July, up by 6,230, or 2.6%, from June.

Employment insurance provides financial assistance for unemployed workers.