SA’s unemployment rate heads down in May
South Australia’s jobless rate has fallen to 5.6 per cent, continuing the state’s relatively strong performance over recent months.
South Australia's jobless rate has fallen, but the proportion of people underemployed has increased.
Of the states, South Australia’s unemployment rate – in trend and seasonally adjusted terms – continues to be only bettered by Victoria and NSW.
The state’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.3 percentage points from April to May (seasonally adjusted), according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today.
The more stable trend rate also dropped – from 5.8 per cent to 5.7 per cent.
However, the state’s underemployment rate – those who want to work more hours than they’re getting – increased by 0.2 percentage points to 9.8 per cent.
The participation rate – which measures the percentage of people either in work or seeking work – was steady.
Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped from 5.6 per cent to 5.4 per cent.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
State Industry and Skills Minister David Pisoni said the total number of South Australians in work was at a record high, with 842,600 people in employment.
“This is an encouraging result, but we know there’s a significant amount of work still to be done to lower costs for businesses and drive further economic growth and investment in South Australia,” Pisoni said.
