Skilled vacancies on the rise

[Badshah Mamun]

Skilled vacancies on the rise

By Chris Zappone

Skilled vacancies are on the rise, with an index of advertisements for skilled jobs posting its seventh consecutive monthly increase in January.

Skilled vacancies rose 1.1 per cent in January, following a 1.9 per cent increase in the December reading of the index, compiled by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The index has been in positive territory since July.

January?s rise takes the index to a level of 43.1 points, with vacancies growing in two of the three occupational groups ? associate professionals, up 0.1 per cent and trades, jumping 3.9 per cent in the month.

Vacancies for professionals, however, fell by 5.7 per cent.

The data is in line with rising hopes for the overall job market. Employment data last week showed the unemployment rate falling to 5.5 per cent from 5.7 per cent, surprising analysts who had predicted an increase in workers looking for positions.

Stronger jobs labour market data has emboldened Australian businesses and consumers.

Today?s Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer confidence index showed a rise of 5.6 per cent for January, in large part based on bullish job prospects revealed in recent statistics.

The DEWR vacancies index is compiled from job ads in major metropolitan newspapers across the country is a leading indicator of the labour market.

Source: http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/search/skilled-vacancies-rise.aspx