Today’s announcement of the December 2015 labour force figures were a welcoming one as Australia’s unemployment rate remains steady at 5.8 per cent. The data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that full-time employment rose by 17,600 while part-time employment fell by 18,500.
Minister for Employment, the Hon. Michaelia Cash, said today’s release of the December labour force results confirms the underlying strength in the jobs market with full-time employment standing at a record high of 8,228,700.
In further encouraging news, total employment increased by 301,300 over the last year, the largest rise recorded since the 2006 calendar year. In addition, female full-time employment also increased by a further 3,000 in December, reaching a record high of 2,970,500.
The youth unemployment rate fell by 0.3 per cent in December 2015 and is now at the lowest level since July 2013. Additionally, the youth participation rate has increased from 66.8 per cent to 68.1 percent.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles, said that while today’s employment figures demonstrate Australia is continuing to grow in the right direction, more focus on youth unemployment would benefit the economy.
“Youth unemployment remains a significant issue across Australia and an increase in support and training opportunities for our youth is needed to ensure a strong, sustainable economic future.”
Source: https://ministers.employment.gov.au/cash/december-labour-force-statistics
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960
leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
