Jobs survey falls for 3rd month



The number of jobs on offer fell for the third straight month in June amid employer uncertainty about the federal political landscape.

The IPA Job Vacancy survey showed job vacancies fell by 3.1 per cent in June, its third consecutive monthly fall.

IPA recruitment General Manager of Sales and Marketing Darrell Hewton said employer sentiment waned in recent months as the federal government lagged in the polls.

He said the poor sentiment would continue until after a federal election.

“It is apparent from our conversations that the Government’s troubles in recent months and its impact on economic confidence have unnerved employers,” he said in a statement today.

“Employers are encouraged by the recent change in prime minister and are more optimistic now (Julia) Gillard is in the top job.

“(But) many will be cautious in their approach to recruitment until the imminent federal election is over and there is more clarity about Government policy.”

Mr Hewton said the construction industry in particular had felt the effects of waning government stimulus measures in recent months.

“After being in the doldrums for several months, we are seeing increased demand for candidates to work on residential and commercial property developments.”

Ms Gillard last week took over from then prime minister Kevin Rudd following a leadership vote by the Labor Party caucus, making her Australia’s first female prime minister.

Before that, polls showed the federal government was in trouble as Mr Rudd backed down from a planned emissions trading scheme and ongoing uncertainty about his proposed 40 per cent tax on the so-called super-profits of miners.

There is now speculation a federal election will be held as early as August after Ms Gillard’s ascendency improved Labor’s performance in the polls.

Article from Herald Sun, July 1, 2010.