Media Centre
The Michael Page Media Centre is a resource for journalists and media outlets. It provides information on recruitment trends and employment conditions in Australia through current and archived media releases and research reports.
AUGUST 2008
MEDIA RELEASE
01/08/08
White-collar employees in the dark about job prospects in Greater Western Sydney
MEDIA COVERAGE
Grass may be greener at home
23 August, Sydney Morning Herald
Our brightest young accountants and bankers have long been lured overseas but that career move is being tested as the world’s financial centres struggle with the credit crunch and resulting slowdown. The banks have yet to see a big influx of people returning but recruitment firms are reporting a marked increase in inquiries from Australians and other nationals looking for work. Simon Tobin, national director of financial services for Michael Page International, says that people returning may not find it that easy to secure work in the finance sector. “It’s not straightforward for some heavyweight investment banker to parachute into an equivalent position in the Australian market,” he says. “The Australian financial services market is a significant sector but the size and scale is certainly not like New York, London or Hong Kong,” Tobin says.
Growth is name of the game
23 August, Weekend Australian
For professionals in the property and construction industry, there are plenty of opportunities to work overseas, with substantial benefits to both bank account and career development. Richard King of global specialist recruitment firm Michael Page International says the hottest market in the world at the moment is Dubai, in the Persian Gulf. “We have a dedicated office there, and growth shows no signs of slowing. In Dubai there is a whole string of construction projects underway, and more planned, with the government determined to turn the place into one of the world’s key hubs,” he says. “Large infrastructure projects in India and Malaysia are likewise creating demand for construction professionals,” King says.
Poaching the fruits during winter
12 August, Australian Financial Review
As many sectors feel the pinch, the more progressive firms are poaching anxious staff in preparation for the inevitable upturn. Phillip Guest, managing director for Michael Page International in Australia and New Zealand, says smart employers are capitalising on talent coming into the market. "We are seeing a rise in hiring activity as highly skilled people leave – voluntarily or by retrenchment – to join companies in other sectors. Lawyers and accountants, for example, are quickly snapped up when they leave a bank to work in another, less troubled, industry," he says. "Organisations understand the absolutely critical nature of having the right people in the right place for growth and they are getting smarter at recognising the opportunities to hire good people," Guest says.
Flying jobs flag
5 August, Penrith Press
Only 15 per cent of white-collar workers think they have good job prospects in Greater Western Sydney, including Penrith, according to a survey by global specialist recruiter Michael Page International. While a majority of the 1,100 white-collar professionals surveyed are keen to work in these areas, they say they are not properly informed of opportunities. Phillip Guest, managing director for Michael Page International in Australia and New Zealand says that people are not including greater western Sydney in their job search because the white-collar employment market is still perceived as CBD-centric.
Media Archives
Media Contacts
- Jason Hemens
Corporate Communications Manager
Asia Pacific
t: 02 8292 2094
e:jasonhemens@michaelpage.com.au
- Rebecca Finn
Corporate Communications Executive
Asia Pacific
t: 02 8292 2131
e:rebeccafinn@michaelpage.com.au
