More secure jobs are being created

Today’s Labour force figures highlight an overall improvement in the jobs market, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.1% in December, from 4.3% in the previous month.

The underemployment rate also dropped to 5.7% in December, down by half a percentage point and close to a record low.

ABS monthly labour force figures released today show there was a 65,000 increase in employment last month, including 55,000 new full-time positions and 10,000 part-time jobs.

More 15–24-year-olds moving into jobs has been a key contributor to the overall rise in employment.

At the same time, the overall labour force participation rate remained steady at 66.7%.

Quotes attributable to ACTU President, Michele O’Neil:

“Today’s figures show the labour market is continuing to generate more secure jobs, which is essential for workers, their families and communities.

“Fifty-five thousand workers landed full-time work in December, and casual employment is continuing to decline as a share of the jobs market, with more permanent jobs being created that deliver better job security for workers.

“Albanese Government reforms around casual work, closing labour hire loopholes and restricting the use of back-to-back rolling fixed term contracts are all having an impact on boosting job security.

“We are continuing to move away from the widespread insecure work that Coalition governments championed to a fairer labour force where workers are finding better jobs with greater job security.

“Workers are more easily able to secure the hours they need, with the underemployment rate close to a record low.”