Jobs recovery strong in WA

More Western Australians are employed than at any time since March, with 15,300 jobs created in October as the state recovers from the COVID-19 crash.

About 95,000 jobs were lost between March and May, seasonally adjusted, but roughly 89,000 have been created since, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

WA’s unemployment rate was 6.6 per cent in October, down 0.1 percentage points and below the national average of 7 per cent.

And WA’s employment to population ratio was the strongest of any state, meaning a bigger chunk of the workforce is at work here than elsewhere.

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the economy was advanced in its recovery.

"Our safe and strong management of COVID-19 has allowed us to remove restrictions faster than elsewhere in the country and has resulted in WA having the most open economy in the nation,” Mr Wyatt said.

"We are also seeing data for job vacancies skyrocket to the highest levels in more than seven years.

"This continues to highlight the strong employment opportunities now available to Western Australians.” 

St George Economics said WA and New South Wales were the only states to register a drop in the unemployment rate in October.

“The labour market resumed its recovery in October with the creation of 178,800 jobs (nationally) senior economist Hand Kunnen said. 

“This is the fourth month since May in which more than 100,000 jobs have been created. 

“These are very encouraging numbers following the unprecedented job losses in April and May.

“Policies are in place to lift demand and employment. 

“Provided COVID-19 can be contained and managed, borders can re-open and restrictions eased. 

“These would further lift employment.

“The latest forecasts from the RBA have the unemployment rate falling to 6.0 per cent by December 2022.

“That is still a long way from 4.5 per cent, the level it regards as full employment.”