In a new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it has been disclosed that over a million Australians who are currently out of paid work are ready to join the workforce almost immediately. The figures, which cover the period up to March 2024, underscore a significant gap between job availability and the number of people eager to work, highlighting a pressing issue within the Australian job market.

As of March 2024, Australia has a workforce of 3.4 million individuals aged between 18 and 75 who are without a paid job. Among these, 1.3 million Australians are actively seeking employment. Of this group, 1.1 million—88 per cent—are ready to commence work within the next four weeks. This marks a slight increase from December 2023, when 85 per cent of the 1.2 million job seekers were available to start work within a month.

The rise in the number of people looking for jobs reflects a broader trend of increased labour market activity, despite the number of unemployed rising from 3.3 million in the previous quarter. This uptick in job-seeking activity highlights the ongoing challenge of matching job seekers with available positions and the need for more effective employment strategies.

Among the 2.1 million Australians who are not currently looking for work, the primary reasons are varied. The most common reason for not seeking employment is being satisfied with their current arrangements, cited by 41 per cent of this group. For individuals aged 18-24, the predominant reason for not wanting a job is being engaged in study or returning to studies. In contrast, for women aged 25-39, child care responsibilities have become the leading reason for not seeking employment, increasing from 54 per cent in December 2023 to 64 percent in March 2024.

For men aged 25-39, the reason for not seeking employment has shifted from long-term health conditions or disabilities to studying or returning to studies, with 39 per cent citing this as their main reason.

The report also sheds light on the difficulties faced by Australians trying to enter the job market. Key factors include the need to find a job that matches their skills and experience, which 30 per cent of job seekers ranked as 'very important.' For individuals with long-term health conditions, finding a job that accommodates their needs and offers part-time hours are crucial considerations, with both factors rated highly by 27 per cent of this group.

Concerns about maintaining income support payments while transitioning into employment also pose significant barriers. Additionally, language barriers, education levels, and age discrimination are cited as major obstacles. Approximately 12,000 respondents noted that perceived disability discrimination was a significant hindrance in their job search.

Incentives that could encourage more Australians to join the workforce include job search assistance and childcare support. The report highlights the varying importance of these incentives across different demographics. For many Australians, flexible working arrangements and jobs that align with their skills and experience are critical factors in their employment decisions.

Tabatha Feher, Chief Adviser of Public Affairs and Advocacy at Life Without Barriers, emphasized that people with disabilities face sustained barriers when seeking employment. She pointed out that there is often apprehension among employers about hiring individuals with disabilities, which contributes to the difficulty these individuals face in finding work.

Feher also highlighted the broader changes in the workforce as the country emerges from the pandemic. She mentioned the recent announcement in New South Wales requiring staff to return to office work as an example of how workforce expectations are evolving. Feher stressed the importance of ensuring that the workforce reflects the diversity of the communities in which companies operate.

The Australian job market has faced various challenges, reflected in the recent rise in the unemployment rate to 4.1 percent in June. This is despite the creation of 50,000 mostly full-time jobs. The increase in unemployment underscores the complexity of the labour market and the need for targeted policies to address both the supply of job seekers and the demand for labour.

The latest figures highlight a significant opportunity for policymakers, employers, and employment agencies to address the gap between job availability and the readiness of Australians to work. By implementing strategies that address the barriers faced by job seekers and creating incentives for employment, there is potential to improve job market outcomes and reduce the number of Australians who are unable to find work despite their readiness to join the workforce.