Seasonally adjusted estimates for November 2021:
- Unemployment rate decreased to 4.6%.
- Participation rate increased to 66.1%.
- Employment increased to 13,177,300.
- Employment to population ratio increased to 63.0%.
- Underemployment rate decreased to 7.5%.
- Monthly hours worked increased by 77 million hours.
Head of labour statistics at the ABS, Bjorn Jarvis said, “The latest data shows the extent of recovery between early October and early November in jurisdictions coming out of Delta lockdowns. This included the period of relatively rapid recovery in the second half of October that we saw in payroll jobs data.
“The easing of restrictions in both New South Wales and Victoria had a large influence on the national figures, with employment in the two states increasing by 180,000 people and 141,000 people between October and November. Employment in those jurisdictions in November was only 52,000 people and 4,000 people below May, having fallen by 250,000 people and 145,000 people during the lockdowns.”
Earlier this week, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, announced new measures that aim to equip Australia’s workforce with the skills needed to grow Australia. These include a reform and funding model that will provide national consistency for Vocational Education and Training students and a review of the VET system to ensure the right skills are being delivered. The focus was also on employment service providers to ensure current job seekers are steered towards the skills needs for the future.
In addition, the Minister announced a $49 million investment for the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program, stating: “From 1 January 2022 through to June 2024, we will provide over $49 million to double the number of places in the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program and increase the number of Skills and Training Incentives available, to assist older Australians to adopt a lifelong approach to learning, upskilling and reskilling, all while reducing their reliance on income support.”
The Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program will see changes in the new year to include eligible persons from the age of 40 and upwards. Previously the age criteria was between the ages of 45 and 70.
Paul Miles, Managing Director of The BUSY Group said, “With the tourist season upon us, many businesses re-opening and actively seeking staff, it is encouraging for job seekers and business as the country starts to recover.
“We welcome the initiatives from the Australian Government that support and encourage skills development for young people and the unemployed, as well as the increased support for mature age workers to remain in the workforce and contribute their wealth of experience and skills”.
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics, labour force release November 2021
