The Employment Trends Centre provides a forecast of hiring activity for the white-collar professional markets in Australia. It includes a snapshot of the latest employment figures, media interviews and the Michael Page Employment Index – a monthly hiring forecast based on a survey of senior human resources professionals.
Michael Page Employment Index Feb 2010
Leading Employment Indicators
Unemployment figures
The unemployment rate fell from 5.5 per cent in December to 5.3 per cent in January as business took on an extra 52,700 workers. The participation rate in January was 65.3 per cent, unchanged from December.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Job Advertisements
The total number of jobs advertised in major metropolitan newspapers and on the internet decreased by 8.1% in January, after growing 4.6% in December and 5.2% in November.
Source: ANZ Job Advertisement Series
Business Confidence
Business confidence fell by 11 index points to +8 in December. The falls were most pronounced in the retail, wholesale, finance, transport and recreation sectors.
Source: NAB Monthly Business Survey & Economic Outlook
Consumer Sentiment
Consumer sentiment fell by 2.6% in February. The index fell from 120.1 points in January to 117 points in February.
Source: The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment
Employment Trends Commentary
Archived Commentary
- Launch of the Michael Page Employment Index for white-collar markets
Gary James - October 2009
- Unemployment rate steadies
Phillip Guest - August 2009
- Signs of improving hiring activity in financial services
Gary James - July 2009
- Employment market stabilisation but new jobs creation limited
Phillip Guest - June 2009
Gary James - November 2009
Gary James - November 2009
Feedback welcome
If you have any feedback on the Michael Page Employment Trends Centre & Employment Index, please contact us via email at employmentindex@michaelpage.com.au
