The number of long-term unemployed people in Tasmania has increased dramatically over the past twelve months.
State Treasury analysis of ABS unemployment data shows that the number of Tasmanians considered to be long-term unemployed – those who have been unemployed for 52 consecutive weeks or longer – and the very long-term unemployment – people unemployed for 104 consecutive weeks or longer – increased by nearly 24 per cent to 6100 in 12 months.
The average duration of long-term unemployment in Tasmania leapt from 47.6 weeks in December 2013 to 56.8 weeks in December 2014 – the highest in the country .
Labor Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said the figures highlighted ongoing challenges for the Tasmanian economy, which would only be made worse by Peter Gutwein’s plans to sack 1200 workers.
“Peter Gutwein appears oblivious to the impact that sacking 1200 workers will have on our unemployment queues,” Mr Bacon said.
“Long term unemployment has worsened under both state and federal Liberal governments.”
The ongoing difficulty for all Tasmanians looking for work is highlighted by the number of unemployed people per job vacancy. In Tasmania the rate is 8.5 people for each vacancy. An improvement on the GFC highs but finding a job is still very difficult.
“Eric Abetz has been a complete failure as Federal Employment Minister. His ‘Restart’ incentive program, designed to create 32,000 jobs a year for mature-age Australians (who are over-represented in the LTU category) resulted in barely 500 new jobs over the first five months of its existence,” Mr Bacon said.
“The sad reality is that long-term unemployment rates are associated with poor physical and mental health.
“Further, as an individual’s skills lose currency their employment chances diminish and the whole economy suffers.
“Labor has a strong vision for an expert policy body to drive structural reform in our education system to address disadvantage, increase opportunity and set our kids up for the job opportunities of the future.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer
