Jobseekers take note: an increase in part-time jobs was behind the 1,300 jobs created in the ACT over the twelve months to July 2017, newly released employment figures show. 

The total number of part time jobs rose by 2,000, partially offset by a decrease in the number of full time jobs (down 700). 

It is unclear whether this uptick reflects employer hiring preferences or the entry of secondary household income earners into the labour market, who may not be seeking full time employment.

In July, there was an increase in the ACT in both the unemployment rate and the participation rate, which refers to the number of people employed or seeking work. This was the result of an overall increase in the number of unemployed people looking for work. 

The unemployment rate increased to 4.8 per cent, from an upwardly revised unemployment rate of 4.5 per cent (it was 4.4 per cent at the time of the June 2017 release). This remains the second lowest unemployment rate in Australia.

In terms of workforce participation, the rate increased in July 2017 to 70.5 per cent. This remains the second highest participation rate in Australia. 

The rate of unemployment among ACT youth remains below the national average of 12.9 per cent, increasing slightly to 9.9 percent in July 2017. 

More information can be found at the ACT Treasury website.