There are at least four applicants for every one low skilled, entry level job advertised in NSW, according to the latest study by Anglicare Australia. The Anglicare Jobs Availability Snapshot (JAS) released today highlights the lack of jobs for the unemployed with limited skills, experience and qualifications throughout the country.
Data analysis was undertaken in three parts. The first part uses the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to identify the level of jobs that would be suitable for Disadvantaged Job Seekers. The second part used the Internet Vacancy Index (IVI) to determine the proportion of jobs currently available at these lower skill levels. The final part reviewed if sufficient jobs were advertised during May for those disadvantaged job seekers required by law to seek work.
“Many people we support are likely to experience some of the longest periods of unemployment and are often subject to intense scrutiny in order to maintain access to government income support,” says Anglicare Head of Advocacy and Research, Susan King.
“The research shows how difficult it is for people to find sustainable employment and how competitive it is for people with insufficient skills to find a job. The results are a conservative estimate.
“Unemployed people with greater skills also compete for positions with lower qualifications and experience. Similarly, a number of people who are underemployed will also be applying for the jobs that low skilled jobseekers are looking to secure. The competition for available vacancies is therefore likely to be fiercer than the Snapshot indicates.”
According to Anglicare Australia, the proportion of higher skill level jobs available in the Australian labour market has grown in the past decade. However, the proportion of jobs for people with lower skill levels and experience has fallen.
“The number of job vacancies advertised in May 2017 was typical as approximately 169,000 jobs are advertised on average in any given month in Australia . Level 5, the lowest skill level vacancies comprised 15% of the jobs advertised. Level 1, the highest skill level vacancies were at 37%,” says Ms King.
“We need to rethink the way we assist the unemployed, many with little qualifications or experience, to find pathways to employment. We need tailored services that train people and help them overcome the obstacles to finding stable work. We need more supported work placements, especially when they incorporate training for a meaningful qualification. And we need to increase government payments as a matter of urgency.”
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