Australia’s great job snob: Employers are failing to fill thousands of low-skilled roles due to ‘lack of interest’ – as politicians continue to push to increase the dole
- One in two employers are struggling to hire workers, according to research
- In low-skilled labour, 60 per cent of employers found it difficult to find staff
- Research comes during increased debate about increasing Newstart payment
Thousands of Australian employers are desperately trying to fill low-skilled roles that no one wants – as politicians continue to push to increase the dole.
One in two employers are struggling to hire workers, with potential employees displaying a ‘lack of interest’ and presenting themselves without adequate qualifications, according to the Department of Employment.
The research found recruitment was deemed difficult across all states and territories and 60 per cent of employers noted difficulties hiring for low-skilled labour, The Australian reported.
The revelations come during heightened political discussion about raising the $277-a-week Newstart payment.
Thousands of Australian employers are desperately trying to fill low-skilled roles that no one wants – as politicians continue push to increase the dole (stock image)
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said there are jobs out there ‘for those who want them’ and she aims to get every job-seeking Australian into a position.
‘We have an economy of opportunity and employers are screaming out for workers who are eager for a job.
‘Our focus will always be to get people off welfare and into work. Taxpayers expect nothing less. The Morrison government strongly believes that the best form of welfare is a job.’
Across the nation, recruitment struggles have risen by seven per cent since the year earlier.
To cope with the pressures, the research found employers have begun to lower their requirements and focus on training.
They’ve also tended to cover vacancies by changing staff arrangement or by hiring contractors – as well as re-advertising positions.
In 2018, employers in technicians and trades sited labour pains at 63 per cent, while employers seeking a manager had 56 per cent difficulty.
James Pearson, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, said the latest figures highlight that more needs to be done to address the lack of job-readiness.
One in two employers are struggling to hire workers, with potential employees displaying a ‘lack of interest’ (stock image)
‘Businesses need skilled workers, and more Australians need jobs. Businesses look to work with government, and education and training providers, to help deliver that outcome,’ he said.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said welfare dependency among working-age Australians is at the lowest level in 30 years.
Over the past four years, 230,000 people had dropped off being dependent on welfare payments.
‘If you want to get people off welfare into work, you have got to make sure your welfare system is supporting people to get onto work,’ Mr Morrison said.
‘Under this government, we are running a welfare system, which is a hand up … not out.’
Several coalition backbenchers, including former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, have added their voices to those from Labor, the Greens, business and welfare lobby groups, seniors, doctors, indigenous health workers, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the Country Women’s Association in saying the payment is inadequate.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said there are jobs out there ‘for those who want them’ and she aims to get every job-seeking Australian into a position (stock image)