SEEK job ads fall sharply in June

As we wait for June ABS Labour Force, more signs of job softness from SEEK:

The SEEK Employment Index (SEI), released today shows across Australia the SEI declined -2.4% for the month of June. The SEI measures the ratio of new job ads placed with SEEK compared to the number of applications for those jobs.

The difference between the number of job opportunities and candidates applying was particularly evident in Western Australia, where the labour market continues to feel the impact of reduction in mining related capital expenditure and the associated decrease in new job opportunities. The SEI decreased -5.9%.

Conversely Victoria has witnessed an increase in the SEI up 0.7%, most likely driven by the increase in job ad volume, up 2.1% month on month.

SEEK Managing Director Joe Powell says “Although the large Eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria have benefits from the flow on impacts of the mining sector, to date they have been less affected by the declines in the mining capex”.

“With Victoria’s SEI increase and New South Wales posting a more moderate decline than other states, they appear more responsive to monetary and fiscal policy at a state and federal level then the likes of Queensland and Western Australia,” Mr Powell said.

Fastest Moving Jobs (May – June 2013)

1. Media Planners/Buyers up 55%
2. Construction Lawyers up 20%
3. Medical Imagers up 18%
4. Rail & Maritime Transport Professionals up 12%
5. Managers – Banking & Finance up 10%

SEEK Employment Index (SEI)

The SEEK Employment Index decreased by -2.4% in June across Australia.

The SEI decline fell in four of the five big states: New South Wales (-3.2%), Queensland (-1.8%), South Australia (-1.6%) and Western Australia (-5.9%). However, SEI rose in Victoria (0.7%).

SEEK New Job Ad Index

SEEK New Job Ads declined 1.3% in June 2013

The New Job Ads Index fell in most big states: New South Wales (-1.8%), Queensland (-1.5%), South Australia (-0.2%), and Western Australia (-6%) but rose in Victoria (2.1%).