Australia’s unemployment rate has hit a six and half year low at 5 per cent according to the October figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The seasonally adjusted number of jobs increased by around 32,800 and participation rate increased to 65.6 per cent.
According to the ABC News report, Indeed’s Asia-Pacific economist Callam Pickering described the figures as positive and said they consolidated recent gains.
“Full time roles have accounted for 83 per cent of employment growth throughout 2018, after accounting for three-quarters of growth last year,” Mr Pickering said.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SNAPSHOT (MONTHLY CHANGE)
- Unemployment rate remained steady at 5.0%
- Jobs increased 32,800 to 12,671,500
- Full-time jobs up 42,300 to 8,703,700
- Part-time jobs down 9,500 to 3,967,900.
STATES AND TERRITORIES
In seasonally adjusted terms, New South Wales had the largest increase in employment (up 16,300 jobs), followed by South Australia (up 7,700 jobs). The largest decrease was in Victoria (down 3,500 jobs), followed by Queensland (down 3,200 jobs).
The unemployment rate increased in New South Wales (up 0.1%) and Queensland (up 0.3%). The largest decrease was in Tasmania (down 0.4%) followed by Western Australia (down 0.3%)).
BUSY At Work Managing Director, Paul Miles said the figures were encouraging for Australia.
“Full time jobs provide sustainability and a robust economy for Australia and it’s very positive to see the increase in full time employment continue.
“Being a strong advocate of the Australian Apprenticeship system, I urge all businesses to consider hiring an apprentice as it’s not only a viable career option it also helps to create a trained and skilled workforce,” Mr Miles said.
BUSY At Work is a leading provider of Australian Apprenticeship Support Services and has helped thousands of businesses recruit and employ suitable job seekers to secure apprenticeship and traineeship positions.
For more information about hiring an apprentice or trainee, head to our website here. To contact BUSY At Work, simply call 13 BUSY (13 28 79) between 8am – 8pm, Monday – Friday EAST.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
ABC News
More details are in the October 2018 issue of Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0). In addition, further information, including regional labour market information, can be found in the upcoming October 2018 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed – Electronic Delivery (cat. no. 6291.0.55.001), due for release on 22 November 2018.
These publications are available for free download (after release) from the ABS website: http://www.abs.gov.au.
