Western Australia employment optimism remains steady and strong this quarter, providing local job seekers with some of the best prospects in the country, a Manpower employment outlook survey shows.
Western Australia employment optimism remains steady and strong this quarter, providing local job seekers with some of the best prospects in the country, a Manpower employment outlook survey shows.
The survey of more than 2,200 Australian employers indicates hiring intentions for the next three months have remained constant, following a surge of optimism last quarter. The seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook for WA is at +23%, holding steady from last quarter. The survey shows that 33% of employers plan to increase hiring while only 7% are planning to reduce headcount.
"Western Australian employers are holding steady with hiring intentions and waiting to see where the economy goes next," said Mr Lincoln Crawley, managing director, Manpower Australia & New Zealand.
"It's still good news for the state's job seekers. This time last year, job seekers faced a pretty cheerless job market, with West Australian hiring optimism at its weakest point of the downturn, sitting at -6%.
"One year on, the story is very different. The figures for this quarter show that the West Australian employment market is coming full circle, returning to employment levels seen before the economic downturn," said Mr Crawley.
The employment outlook on a national scale has also improved, with the seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook at +22%, up from +20% in the last quarter.
"While the overall Outlook is certainly a positive one, we are seeing some industry sectors that are yet to find solid ground," said Mr Crawley.
"After a surge in employment optimism across every sector at the start of this year, this quarter may see a correction in some. As we get further into the year, employers have a better understanding of their road to recovery and just how long that road is going to be. They are adjusting their hiring strategies accordingly."
The Transport & Utilities, Wholesale & Retail Trade and Public Administration/Education sectors have all seen slight reductions in employment optimism this quarter, with the greatest decrease seen in the Transport and Utilities sector (down to +14%, compared to +17% last quarter).
On the other side of the spectrum, employment optimism is on the rise in Finance, Insurance & Real Estate (+22%, up from +14% last quarter), Manufacturing (+22%, up from +17%) and Mining & Construction (+27%, up from +20%), following an increase in business confidence levels reported earlier this month in those sectors.
"It is going to be a balancing act for many of these industry sectors - they don't want to peak too early and hire before the demand is there but they don't want to be left behind in the renewed race for talent.
"In the meantime, building a flexible workforce is the key to finding that balance - providing capacity but reducing the risks of permanent hiring. It's also a great way to 'road test' candidates - giving both the company and the individual a chance to see if they fit with each other," said Mr Crawley.
According to Mr Crawley, businesses have been constantly reminded throughout the downturn that the talent shortage is set to return and now it's upon them - particularly in the Mining & Construction sector.
"Businesses can't afford to wait too long before they make a decision on talent growth plans. Those who act decisively will reap the benefits and snatch up the best talent in the market," said Mr Crawley.