• Unemployment remains steady at 4.2%, reinforcing the ongoing tightness of the labour market.
• Workforce participation has increased to 67.1%, with more Australians actively engaged in employment or seeking work.
• Total employment continues to grow, now reaching almost 14.66 million people employed nationwide.
• Full-time employment increased by 60,500 roles, while part-time employment declined slightly — a clear signal that businesses are prioritising more permanent, long-term workforce solutions.
• Monthly hours worked reached nearly 1,988 million, reflecting sustained workloads and strong demand for labour across industries.
• Underemployment remains at 5.9%, indicating there is still a segment of the workforce open to additional hours or flexible opportunities.

What This Means for Employers?

Competition for talent remains high

With unemployment low and participation high, attracting and retaining skilled workers continues to be a challenge. While candidate numbers may be increasing due to broader market factors, sourcing job-ready, skilled talent remains time-consuming without the right recruitment strategy.

Demand for full-time roles is strengthening

Employers are increasingly investing in permanent and long-term hires. This presents a valuable opportunity to secure high-quality talent now, before market conditions tighten further.

Flexibility continues to be a competitive advantage

Stable underemployment means there is still an active pool of candidates open to additional hours, contract work or project-based roles — ideal for businesses needing agility without committing to long-term headcount increases.

Strategic workforce planning is critical

Rising monthly hours worked suggest workloads are expanding. Organisations that proactively plan and secure their talent pipelines will be better positioned to manage growth and avoid last-minute staffing gaps.

At FindStaff, we’re closely monitoring labour market trends across all industries and supporting our clients to balance immediate hiring needs with long-term workforce planning.

If you’re looking to attract the right candidates or build a recruitment strategy that delivers results in a competitive market, contact our team today to see how we can help.