VET News

A Snapshot in Time

The newly-formed National Skills Commission (NSC) has released its first public report, A snapshot in time: Australia’s Labour Market and COVID-19.  This public report explores the impact COVID-19 has had on Australia’s labour market and how the work of the NSC will support the recovery.

Capturing a 'point-in-time' analysis of the state of the labour market in relation to COVID-19, this report provides an insight into employment decline from March to May.  Statistical data shows that:

• Australia’s unemployment rate has risen to over 7 per cent for the first time in over 20 years
• Youth unemployment has risen to 16.1 per cent, and
• the decline in female employment accounts for 53.4 per cent of the total decrease in employment.

Interim National Skills Commissioner, Adam Boyton said the newly formed NSC has come into being at a critical time stating “We need to make sure that, as the recovery progresses, skills shortages don’t hold us back. By looking at what skills can transfer from one industry to another, and focusing on skilling and reskilling workers, we can better connect job seekers with ways to help get them back into jobs.”

Despite declining numbers this report also describes signs of stabilisation, with data showing an increase in the number of employers looking to hire or re-hire.  A clear picture of the labour market highlights where the biggest changes are occurring as well as examining the current and future skills Australians need to have to get jobs.

• Original announcement from the National Skills Commission
• Original announcement from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment
• Download the report: National Skills Commission: A snapshot in time

Date posted Jul 9, 2020