The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the latest data on labour hire workers in Australia for June 2023. This report provides valuable insights into the characteristics of these workers and the labour supply services industry. Here are the key statistics and findings:
- Total Labour Hire Workers: In June 2023, there were 327,100 people employed in the Labour supply services industry, with 270,500 (83%) considering it their main job.
- Percentage of All Employed: Labour hire workers accounted for 2.3% of all employed individuals in Australia.
- Full-Time Employment: Approximately 81% of labour hire workers were employed full-time as of August 2022, reflecting a growing trend in full-time positions within this sector.
- Paid Leave Entitlements: A significant 84% of labour hire workers did not have paid leave entitlements as of August 2022.
- Desire for More Hours: 18% of labour hire workers expressed a preference to work more hours in August 2022.
- Gender Distribution: In 2019-20, 61% of labour hire workers were men.
- Occupational Breakdown: Labourers made up 27% of employees in the Labour supply services industry, with sales workers (3.7%) and managers (7.5%) being the least common occupation groups in 2019-20.
- Age Groups: Workers aged 25-29 and 20-24 were more likely to be employed in the labour hire sector. Around 20% of labour hire workers fell in the 25-29 age group, and roughly 17% were aged 20-24.
- Country of Birth: While over half of all labour hire workers were born in Australia, those born overseas were more likely to work in this sector, particularly recent migrants.
- Earnings: In 2019-20, the median annual earnings of labour hire workers in their main job were $33,100, with a substantial portion earning less than $10,000.
- Casual Work: A substantial 84% of labour hire workers did not have paid leave entitlements, a common indicator of casual employment.
- Job Stability: Labour hire workers tended to have shorter job tenure, with 63% being in their current job for less than a year as of August 2022.
These statistics shed light on the evolving landscape of labour hire work in Australia. It is evident that the sector plays a significant role in the country’s employment market, with a focus on full-time positions and varying job stability. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor these trends for a comprehensive understanding of the labour hire workforce.