Local unemployment remains steady

19 January 2012

South Australian unemployment remained steady in December according to the State’s leading business membership organisation, Business SA.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force figures show the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for South Australia in December 2011 remained at 5.3 per cent.

Statistics show the national unemployment rate for December also remained steady at 5.2 per cent.

Nationwide the participation rate decreased 0.3 per cent to 65.2 per cent, while South Australia’s participation rate decreased 0.2 per cent to 63.2 per cent.

Business SA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brett Mahoney, said the stability in local figures provided some positive news.

“South Australia’s unemployment remained at 5.3 per cent in December and we sit just above the national average,” Mr Mahoney said.

“After a very challenging year throughout the local economy, this unemployment data reflects some stability, however pressure remains on many local businesses.

“Full time employment increased in South Australia in December, however there was a decrease in part-time employment levels.

“The Christmas trading period is a time when there should be a greater demand for people in the workforce and we would like to have seen a reduction in unemployment at this time of year.

“Rising costs and ongoing global economic volatility will to add to the challenges for businesses in the coming months.

“The labour force figures from around the country, combined with predictions of rising unemployment, indicates that further interest rate relief is required to build momentum throughout the economy.”