SYDNEY (Reuters) – Job vacancies in Australia fell in the three months to May, the fourth straight quarter of decline, but remained well ahead of the pandemic as labor demand remained strong. previous level.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday showed that job vacancies in the May quarter fell by 2.0% from the previous quarter to 600,25.
is down % from a year ago, but 13% is higher than in February600 before the pandemic.
“In May, businesses continued to report difficulties recruiting and retaining workers,” said ABS’ Bjorn Jarvis, director of labor statistics.
The percentage of businesses reporting at least one job opening increased 1 point to 13% in May. “This underscores the impact of a tight labor market on a broad range of businesses,” Jarvis said.
Strength in the labor market is one reason for the RBA’s reserves (RBA) has raised interest rates 13 times to 4.1% and may hike again next week.
Data on Thursday showed that the private sector fell 2.3% in the May quarter, while the public sector rose 0.3%. Healthcare has the highest number of job vacancies, followed by professional services, accommodation and food, and construction.
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