Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today revealed unemployment rate remained steady at 5.6 per cent. The participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 64.5 per cent.
Despite full-time employment increasing 41,500 to 8,126,900 and part-time employment decreased 31,700 to 3,812,000 the Bureau Program Manager says the trend was still firmly towards part-time instead of full-time employment.
In October 2016, trend employment decreased by 1,000 to 11,946,600, the first decrease in the trend series since November 2013. This slight fall in trend employment reflected an increase in part-time employment of 8,400 persons being more than offset by a decrease in full-time employment of 9,500 persons.
Program Manager of ABS’ Labour and Income Branch, Jacqui Jones said there has been a continued decline in trend full-time employment and an increase in part-time employment.
“Over the past year, part-time employment has increased from around 31 per cent of employment to 32 per cent. That’s a relatively large shift, if you consider that it was around 29 per cent 10 years ago.
“Since December 2015, there are now around 132,700 more persons working part-time, compared with a 69,900 decrease in those working full-time,” said Ms Jones.
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider, BUSY At Work CEO Paul Miles said while an increase in part-time employment is inevitable due to our workforce and lifestyle trends we mustn’t lose sight of the benefits of having full-time employment.
“We are strong advocates for Apprenticeships and Traineeships as they help provide a sustainable workforce for our future.”
“Apprenticeships provide a solid career path and a commitment to the employer while they earn and learn. There are over 600 qualifications to choose from in the various trades which can help increase productivity and reduce staff turnover,” Mr Miles said.
Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships offer anyone of working age the opportunity to train, study and earn an income in a wide range of occupations and trades. An apprentice can be a school-leaver, a person re-entering the workforce or an adult worker simply wishing to change careers. You can even employ apprentices or trainees part-time while they are still at high school through a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship.
BUSY will provide support for both the employer and the apprentice throughout the life of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
The Australian Government also provide support through incentives and funding for eligible employers and apprentices.
For further information call 13 BUSY (13 28 79) or visit www.busyatwork.com.au
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
Source:
More details are in the October 2016 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 2016 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed – Electronic Delivery (cat. no. 6291.0.55.001), due for release on 24 November 2016.
These publications are available for free download (after release) from the ABS website: http://www.abs.gov.au.
These publications are available for free download (after release) from the ABS website: http://www.abs.gov.au.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-17/unemployment-abs-jobs-data-october/8033098
