Job ads up 41 per cent for hospitality industry

Month-on-month data from Seek has revealed a strong positive trend in jobs advertised, with national growth of 9.2 percent.

While year-on-year figures are down 20.9 percent comparing September 2020 with September 2019, month-on-month figures provide show how the job market is recovering from COVID-19.

According to the September 2020 Seek Employment report, the Hospitality & Tourism industry is among the top performers with the highest job ad growth month-on-month.

With roles for chefs/cooks, waiting staff, bar & beverage staff and management, the hospitality industry recorded a month-on-month increase of 41 percent in job ads.

“This month we have seen strong growth across all states and territories nationally, resulting in a healthy month-on-month growth of 9.2%,” says Kendra Banks, Managing Director, SEEK ANZ.

“With last week’s Federal Budget including a focus on jobs and employment, together with the potential easing of restrictions in Victoria, we will be watching with interest to see if this positive trend continues.

“Topping the list of industries contributing the most to growth in jobs listed on seek.com.au is Hospitality & Tourism. This industry has seen the highest number of jobs increase on-site from August to September with a 41% increase in new jobs advertised. This is particularly pleasing as we know this industry has been impacted heavily over the course of the year. Its recovery is closely linked to the easing of restrictions, and we are also starting to see businesses prepare for the summer and Christmas holiday period by beginning seasonal hiring.”

Although Victoria businesses continue to operate under tight restrictions, the state has seen growth in job ads of 12.9 percent. However, the state continues to lag behind others.

The growth rate in New South Wales has also accelerated sharply, with job ads up 10.9 percent. Both states were previously tracking behind other states and territories in their recoveries.

Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have all fully rebounded or have job ad rates comparable to pre-covid levels, while Queensland, NSW and the Australian Capital Territory are continuing to recover. After recording 5.3 percent month-on-month in September, Queensland is edging closer to joining those states and territories in the top tier of recovery.

“The top three states contributing to monthly job ads by volume are Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland,” says Banks. “The nation’s job ad growth is closely linked to what is happening in New South Wales and Victoria, and pleasingly this month both states have seen growth of 10.9% and 12.9% respectively, although both are growing off a comparatively lower base as they are still 21.5% and 48.2% down on this time last year.

“New South Wales and Victoria are joined by the ACT as states and territories that have the furthest to go to reach pre- COVID levels. The extended period of restriction is obviously having an impact on Victoria, whereas New South Wales and the ACT are being driven by the influence of Professional Service roles. This was a sector hit hard over the last six months and is taking longer to recover, with those roles down 26.2% for the ACT and 38.2% for New South Wales year-on-year.

“Queensland is continuing to show improvement and this month we’ve seen that the Sunshine State only has 7.1% fewer jobs than this time last year. This means that we could soon see Queensland join Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory as states and territories that have job ad volumes the same or better than this time last year.”

Image credit: Jesús Terrés