Employment Statistics

Leaving the cash rate unchanged today is all but a foregone conclusion for the RBA. Behind closed doors, you can't help but wonder if November's rate hike was a mistake as the economy cools, writes Ian Verrender.

The unemployment rate remained at 3.9 per cent in December, but ABS figures reveal more than 65,000 jobs were lost during the month, the biggest fall since 1993 outside of COVID lockdown periods.

As people return after the holiday break they are pushing for a hybrid model of work, allowing them to work from home, but some employers are pushing in another direction.

As US mining giant Alcoa says it will close its refinery in Kwinana in Perth's south, an expert warns the hit to Western Australia's economy will run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Around 1,000 workers are set to lose their jobs as Alcoa announces it will phase down production at its alumina refinery in Perth's south.

Nurses and midwives across the country are leaving their permanent jobs and switching to short-term contracts facilitated through workforce agencies. They are doing so in part for better pay, with some getting an hourly rate two to three times more than the permanent employees working alongside them.

Australia's unemployment rate increases to 3.9 per cent despite the creation of more than 60,000 jobs last month, as the participation rate surges to a fresh record high.

As worker shortages worsen across Australia, some farmers are offering enticements such as cash bonuses, housing and food to retain prized employees.

It is not surprising that a population surge that's contributing to higher rents and house prices has created heated political debate. Cutting net migration might help ease pressure, writes Nassim Khadem. 

Infrastructure Australia's annual market capacity report reveals there are only 177,000 workers currently in the system despite there being enough demand for the equivalent of 405,000 workers.

The strategy will involve raising minimum English language requirements and a crackdown on 'visa hopping'.

Despite the concerns, there's hope AI can help create jobs and spark a new field of employment.

Some employers are using endorsements and others including ANZ are threatening to cut staff bonuses if they don't return to the office.

Coles and Target Group amongst some of the nation's biggest companies to sign up for a $3.3 million federal government careers pathway pilot program.

Job ads are down nearly 20 per cent over the past year, following a slump in October driven by hospitality and retail, indicating many businesses are bracing for a quiet summer.

More than 20 per cent of businesses across Australia currently have at least one job vacancy, but experts say excellent candidates are often overlooked.

A rising number of people looking for work pushes unemployment up, despite the creation of 55,000 jobs last month.

The private sector has outpaced public sector wages and despite the uptick in wages they're still not keeping up with cost of living with annual inflation at 5.4%.

A major casual teacher shortage means almost 10,000 lessons are happening without adequate educational support in public schools across New South Wales every day. Here's how it could affect your child's school.

Australia's unemployment rate has edged lower to 3.6 per cent, but only because fewer Australians have been looking for work.

The Bureau of Statistics estimates that just 6,700 jobs were created last month.

Senior NAB economist Brody Viney says he expects unemployment to rise slowly, along with one more interest rate rise.

Australia's unemployment rate edges lower to 3.6 per cent, but only because fewer Australians were looking for work last month.

Converted airports, refurbished nursing homes, caravans, sheds and school camps aren't considered suitable housing options. But they're all in the mix as workers struggle to find a place to live near their workplace that they can afford.

The government has a new definition of full employment, but will it make any difference, asks Gareth Hutchens.