ABS figures reveal the full toll of two months of lockdown, with huge numbers out of work in SA

The coronavirus lockdown saved lives but destroyed jobs in SA. New official figures reveal just how high the employment cost has been, and that tens of thousands people have lost their livelihoods.

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South Australia’s unemployment rate has surged again to 7.9 per cent as official figures confirm 48,300 jobs have been lost in the two months since lockdowns came into force.

The ABS on Thursday released data showing 11,200 jobs were lost in SA in May.

That came on top of 37,100 lost to our state economy in April.

Our seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose in May from 7.2 per cent to 7.9 per cent.

That compares to a national unemployment rate that stands at 7.1 per cent.

The states that have best weathered the COVID jobs crisis are Tasmania and NSW, with 6.4 per cent unemployment.

Struggling most is WA, with an 8.1 per cent jobless rate.

SA’s unemployment rate today stands at its highest level since June 2015

Both state and federal governments have announced massive stimulus packages that plunge their budgets deep into the red, and are hopeful easing restrictions will rebuild jobs.

Support includes the JobKeeper and beefed up JobSeeker programs, as well as $1 billion in state stimulus including road upgrades and $10,000 grants to affected small businesses.

SA hit an all-time employment record of 859,900 jobs in May last year.

There are now 806,100 people employed in SA, the lowest level since February 2016.

Skills and Innovation Minister David Pisoni said full time employment had risen on the past month, and SA’s jobless jump mirrored the national shift.

“This is the greatest economic challenge of our time, which is why the Marshall Liberal Government is responding swiftly and decisively to ensure as many businesses and jobs as possible make it through to the other side,” he said.

“We are continuing to implement our strong plan to deal with the pandemic, as we look to get as many infrastructure projects as possible underway as quickly as possible, as well as deliver hip pocket relief through cheaper water bills.”

BankSA chief executive officer Nick Reade said COVID-19 and suppressioin measures have had a significant impact on the labour market.

“The unprecedented scale of the shutdowns has dealt a significant blow to our

economy and jobs, and South Australia is no exception,” said Mr Reade, also Westpac’s state general manager for SA, NT and WA.

“While the suppression of the virus and the lifting of restrictions has occurred sooner

than what was anticipated back in March, we know that conditions will remain

challenging, as businesses slowly re-open and entire industries get back on their feet.

“The downturn may be shallower than earlier expected, however we continue to be

cautious around the speed of recovery and longer-term demand from consumer

spending.”