Nearly 1 million Australians unemployed, market unphased

According to the latest ABS data, Australia's unemployment rate increased 0.4% in June to reach 7.4%, with an additional 69,300 unemployed people added to the tally.

| More on:
Recently unemployed man in white business shirt wearing face mask carrying box of belongings

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia's unemployment rate increased from 7.1% in May to 7.4% in June, with an additional 69,300 people unemployed . This is the highest rate of unemployment since November 1998, with a total of just under 1 million unemployed people.

The market reaction to the latest unemployment data was relatively muted, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) trading flat most of the morning before dipping 0.93% at the time of writing. 

Unemployment rate increases as more people seek work 

The increase in the unemployment rate was partially due to an increase in the number of people looking for work. According to the ABS numbers, between May and June the labour force increased by 280,100 people to 13,320,800, with the participation rate rising 1.3 points to 64%. Treasurer Josh Frydenburg said earlier this week that the real unemployment rate is 13.3%, as the official rate does not include those who have stopped looking for work. 

Full time employment down, part time employment up 

Between May and June, full time employment decreased by 38,100 people while part time employment increased by 249,000 people. Positively, the underemployment rate decreased by 1.4 points to 11.7%.

All states and the ACT recorded increases in employment in June, however most states and territories (except for Queensland and the Northern Territory) saw unemployment rates increase as a result of increased numbers of people in the labour force. In Victoria, unemployment increased from 6.9% in May to 7.5% in June, while New South Wales saw unemployment increase from 6.4% to 6.9%. 

Lockdowns see unemployment rise 

Large numbers of Australians were stood down or had hours reduced in April as lockdowns came into effect. These conditions continued in May, impacting work and job search activities. By June, as social distancing restrictions started to lift, there was a corresponding rise in the employment-to-population ratio which increased 1 point to 59.2%, and a 4% increase in hours worked. 

Around 900,000 people left employment between March and April and over 700,000 between April and May. This number reduced between May and June, however, to around 400,000. Almost 600,000 people moved into employment in June, leading to a net increase in the number of employed people by over 200,000. While there was a similar flow into employment in May, there was an even larger outflow, resulting in a net drop in employment in May. 

What is the outlook for employment? 

The outlook for employment in Australia largely depends on how the economy recovers from coronavirus. With lockdowns back in effect in Victoria, those in impacted industries are again seeing employment under threat. This could be bad news for July employment figures. Jobkeeper, which is due to expire in September, may also be helping to mask the true (higher) unemployment rate. 

Motley Fool contributor Kate O'Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to almost 30%

Analysts are tipping these shares to deliver big returns over the next 12 months.

Read more »

A young woman carefully adds a rock to the top of a pile of balanced river rocks.
Share Market News

Here's how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week

Energy and utilities stocks led the way last week with 4%-plus gains.

Read more »

Animation of a man measuring a percentage sign, symbolising rising interest rates.
Share Market News

Here's when Westpac says the RBA will now cut interest rates

Will borrowers need to wait until the middle of next year for relief? Let's find out.

Read more »

Boys making faces and flexing.
Opinions

3 ASX 300 shares to buy and hold for the long run

I believe these stocks have loads of growth potential.

Read more »

Young girl drinking milk showing off muscles.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a great end to the trading week for ASX investors today.

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
Record Highs

The ASX 200 Index is on its way to another all-time high today. Here's why

These blue chip stocks are driving the index towards a new record today...

Read more »

Group of friends trading stocks on their phones. symbolising the 3 most traded ASX 200 shares today
Share Market News

3 ASX mining stocks topping the most-traded list in October

Chinese stimulus news and company announcements likely contributed to the higher trading activity.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week

These three ASX 200 stocks are leading the charge this week. Here’s how.

Read more »