Job losses among skilled workers appear to be slowing following substantial layoffs in the first three months of 2009, according to the June quarter Clarius Skills Index.
Despite the economic downturn and rising unemployment, the Index recorded a “balanced” rating of 98.8, down from 100.3 in the March quarter, across the 19 skilled occupation categories it measures.
Brighter employment prospects now exist for building, engineering, IT and accounting professionals.
Clarius Group Executive Manager, Kym Quick said the figures are a lot more positive than expected.
“Job losses in skilled occupations are close to bottoming out… we’re seeing positive activity in most sectors as companies realise the value of retaining good, skilled staff.”
However it was not all good news, with trade skills occupations such as construction, electrical and electronics experiencing an oversupply of 23,000 tradespersons. Trade vacancies have plunged 60 percent over the last 12 months.
