"At a time when the nation is facing such a severe labour shortage, it would make sense to allow permanent residents to work in the federal public service."
The latest SEEK employment report also revealed job ads grew for the fifth consecutive month in May, rising 2.1% from April and 25.6% y/y.
Since January, job ads have risen 13.0% and have been at record levels each month in 2022 and applications per job ad continue to fall nationally, dropping 2.3% m/m, and are down 25.9% from April 2021.
Managing director of SEEK ANZ Kendra Banks said that they continued to see a record number of ads and staff shortages were proving a point of concern.
“SEEK continues to see record numbers of job ads on site, as major industries battle staff shortages and application rates remain low,” she said.
“Aside from the ACT, which likely saw a pause in some hiring due to the federal election, every state and territory had record levels of job ads in May.
"Without the threat of impending lockdowns to dampen the outlook, this year businesses are instead preparing for winter and the second half of the year.”
Over the past quarter, the consumer services sector has risen 18.8%, driven by increasing demand in hospitality and retail jobs. For example, job ads for retail assistants grew 32% during the past three months, while chefs and cooks rose 28% and demand for waitstaff rose 32%.
“Even roles for travel agents and consultants, a relatively small subset of tourism roles on site, have risen 152% since the start of the year," Ms Banks said
"These roles have been declining since before the pandemic began, so this upward trend over the past five months is indicative of an industry that is getting back on its feet and preparing for a big year of travel.”
"Meanwhile, consulting and strategy services also saw a 10.7% monthly increase followed by retail and consumer products. Government and Defence saw the biggest decrease at 4.6% in May when compared to April."