The latest data by online job advertiser SEEK showed a sharp increase in job ads, as they rose by 6% in September. This is the first increase since April, after lockdowns in NSW and Victoria eased. The report gives a positive sign for future employment and indicates that businesses are gearing up to bounce back. 

“The COVID-19 roadmap announcements in New South Wales and Victoria have encouraged businesses to move ahead with rehiring and preparing for the summer holiday period,” said Kendra Banks, Managing Director, SEEK ANZ. 

NSW saw a strong 20.6% rise in job ads for September, with demand in hospitality and tourism increasing 130% since August.

While job confidence is beginning to return, employers still find it difficult to hire and close applications. Applications per job ad were down 0.8% in September and remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels – down by 34.9% when comparing September 2021 to September 2019. This can be attributed to fear of the virus or because of their increased caution while making a career choice. 

Although SEEK’s report showed an increase in demand for talent, the job loss Australia has witnessed in the last few months can’t be ignored. Economic forecasts point to a further 120,000 loss of jobs in the month of September, following the hefty 146,300 tumble in August as a result of lockdowns in Australia’s two largest states. As COVID-19 restrictions end in October, the job market could begin its recovery phase this month.