Australia's unemployment rate holds at 4.1% in May: ABS
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent in May 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Although total employment declined by 2,000 people, a similar drop in unemployment helped maintain the rate.
The employment-to-population ratio and participation rate each dipped by 0.1 percentage points, to 64.2 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. Notably, the female employment-to-population ratio reached a record high of 60.9 per cent. Monthly hours worked increased by 1.3 per cent, following earlier disruptions from Easter and adverse weather.
Australia's unemployment rate held steady at 4.1 per cent in May 2025, despite a slight employment drop. The participation rate and employment-to-population ratio both dipped, though female employment hit a record 60.9 per cent. Underemployment fell to 5.9 per cent, and trend data showed job growth of 28,000. Full-time roles rose to over 10.1 million, with part-time jobs making up 31 per cent.
Underemployment fell to 5.9 per cent, down from 6.7 per cent in May 2024, while the underutilisation rate declined to 9.9 per cent—its lowest since March 2020, the ABS said in a press release.
Trend data showed employment growth of 28,000 people, with full-time and part-time jobs rising by 20,500 and 7,500 respectively. Full-time positions totalled over 10.1 million, while part-time employment accounted for 31 per cent of the workforce.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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