Archived News for Human Resource Professionals

Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.2 percentage points to 5.1 per cent in May, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). There was also an increase in the labour force participation rate of 0.3 percentage points in May to 65.5 per cent.

The ABS reported the number of people employed increased by 38,900 to 11,537,900 in May. The increase in employment was driven by increased full-time employment, up 46,100 people to 8,107,900, and was offset by a decrease in part-time employment, down 7,200 people to 3,430,100. The increase in employment was driven by increases in both male and female full-time employment.

The number of people unemployed increased by 22,400 people to 622,800 in May, the ABS reported.

The ABS monthly aggregate hours worked series showed a decrease in May, down 4.7 million hours to 1,627.2 million hours.

The seasonally adjusted underemployment rate was 7.4 per cent in May 2012. Combined with the unemployment rate of 5.1 per cent, the latest estimate of total seasonally adjusted labour force underutilisation was 12.6 per cent in May. For more information on underemployment and underutilisation, please refer to the article 'Understanding Labour Force,' which is published every month in Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0).

Australia not an 'anti-dobbing' culture

Results show that assumptions that Australia is an ‘anti-dobbing’ society are false, according to results of the first World Online Whistleblowing Survey.

Services sector continues to contract

The services sector continued to contract in May, albeit at a slower pace, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI) which lifted 3.9 points to 43.5 in the month (readings below 50 represent a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).

Australians back skilled immigration, but not foreign investment

A poll conducted by the Lowy Institute has found that the majority of Australians, 62 per cent, support the move to grant 1,715 skilled migrant visas to the Roy Hill iron ore project. However, the vast majority, 81 per cent, is against direct foreign investment.

Bullying inquiry calls for submissions

The House Standing Committee on Education and Employment is calling for submissions as it ratchets up its inquiry into workplace bullying.

Flu could cost businesses millions

The New South Wales Chamber of Commerce has warned the state’s employers that they run the risk of footing a bill of up to $482 million this flu season if they don’t review their health and hygiene policies.

Hays predicts moderate salary growth

International recruitment specialist has warned that the Australian workforce can expect a moderate salary increase this financial year in the face of an increasingly difficult marketplace.

New Fair Work building and construction laws to commence

New laws for the building and construction industry and the new Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate will commence on 1 June 2012.

Report shows growth in enterprise agreements

The Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has released the Trends in Enterprise Bargaining Report for the December 2011 quarter which shows that since the Fair Work Act began, more than 16 200 enterprise agreements have been made, covering 2.2 million employees including 260 000 employees covered by Fair Work Act enterprise agreements approved in the last quarter.

AHRC slams racist EMA debate

The Australian Human Rights Commissioner Helen Szoke has expressed her disappointment over the tone of the debate surrounding the Federal Government’s new Enterprise Migration Agreement, which will allow Roy Hill to sponsor up to 1,715 workers for the three-year construction phase through the 457 visa program.

FWA announces minimum wage increase

Fair Work Australia has announced a 2.9 per cent increase to the country’s minimum wage, with the national wage rising to $606.40 per week, or $15.96 an our. The increase equates to an additional $17.10 for the country’s lowest paid.

SA budget cuts public sector

The South Australian Government has announced it will cut 1000 full time equivalent positions from its public sector over the next three years, while setting greater efficiency targets.

Young men's mental health illnesses cut $3 billion from the economy

A report released by the mental health advocacy group Inspire Foundation has found that mental illnesses in young men is costing the Australian economy $3 billon each year.

ClubsNSW targets school bullies

ClubsNSW has launched a new campaign that will see high school bullies blacklisted by employers in the State’s Murray region.

FWA accuses Jetstar of underpaying Thai staff

Fair Work Australia (FWA) has found that cabin crew recruited in Thailand are underpaid by as much as half of their minimum entitlements.

Government announces bullying blitz

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten have announced the Federal Government will conduct a review into bullying in the workplace.

Hastie Group enters liquidation

Engineering services company Hastie Group has announced the appointment of Voluntary Administrators after it was revealed last week that the company had found accounting irregularities to the value of an estimated $20 million. The impending collapse of the company casts doubt over the 2,000 people employed in Victoria and New South Wales.