Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) yesterday revealed the unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.7 per cent, up from 5.6 percent last month.
Despite this there was some good news with the Bureau’s results indicating that 39,300 full time jobs were created in November, with only 200 part time jobs lost.
In a further positive outlook the workforce participation rate rose from 64.4 to 64.6 per cent, which explains why the unemployment rate rose slightly on the back of strong job creation last month.
During the past month total trend employment also increased by 3,100 persons reflecting an increase in part time employment of 3,200 persons and a small decrease of 100 persons working full time.
General Manager of ABS Macroeconomic Statistics Division, Bruce Hockman said there had been a shift towards part-time employment, particularly in the first half of 2016.
“There are now around 138,300 more people working part time than there were a year ago, and around 51,000 fewer people working full time,” Mr Hockman said.
BUSY At Work CEO Paul Miles said while more people were working part time and unemployment remained steady, the economic outlook for business remained bright.
“As an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider we are urging businesses to continue to invest in apprenticeships and traineeships as full time careers.
“Providing apprenticeships and traineeships for young people will help businesses create a sustainable workforce for the future.”
“With over 600 qualifications to choose from in the various trades, apprenticeships can help businesses increase productivity and reduce staff turnover,” Mr Miles said.
BUSY At Work can provide support for the employer and the apprentice throughout the life of the apprenticeship or traineeship and the Australian Government also provides support through incentives and funding for eligible employers and apprentices.
Meanwhile Queensland employers now have an additional incentive to hire local young people with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recently announcing the doubling of the government’s $10,000 incentive scheme for regional businesses who hire unemployed youths.
The Back to Work ‘Youth Boost’ scheme which opened on 1 December and closes on 28 February 2017, now offers a $20,000 kick-back for regional businesses who hire unemployed youths.
Ms Palaszczuk said youth unemployment was unacceptably high in some regions and the government was determined to address this challenge.
“This is a massive incentive for businesses to hire, especially as school leavers start to look for work after Christmas,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the $100 million Back to Work scheme provided $10,000 to businesses who took on an unemployed worker and $15,000 when they hired a long-term unemployed worker (out of work for 12 months or more).
“Everyone in our community is concerned about young people being out of work and needing new opportunities for their futures. Our resolve to drive down regional youth unemployment is unwavering which is why we’re offering a specific bonus to regional businesses who hire young people,” Mr Pitt said.
For further information about apprenticeships or traineeships call 13 BUSY (12 28 79) or visit busyatwork.com.au
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
Source:
More details are in the November 2016 release of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, Quarterly (cat. no. 6291.0.55.003).
These publications are available for free download (after release) from the ABS website.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-15/unemployment-rises-despite-39k-full-time-jobs/8123324
