Employment in Nova Scotia plunged by 10.9% in the second quarter (Q2 2020) as restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 shocked the labour market. This was the lowest quarterly level of employment recorded in 19 years, and was accompanied by a nearly five percentage point (pp) increase in the unemployment rate. The labour force contracted by 6% as many laid-off workers waited for temporary restrictions on their industry or occupation to be lifted without seeking other employment.