Newcastle and Hunter unemployment: Jobs numbers starting to rise again
It’s been a tough trot for businesses across the Hunter and for those employees who have found themselves impacted by COVID-19. But things are starting to gain momentum as the jobs market recovers. SEE WHICH JOBS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
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Despite the dreaded COVID-19, it seems businesses in the Hunter have adapted and jobs levels are starting to rise again, with a sense of confidence back in the region.
According to the latest Adzuna jobs data, there are 2436 jobs advertised across the Hunter for the taking with a healthy 754 jobs available in healthcare and nursing - the most in the region - followed by construction at trade with 236 jobs advertised.
As the dining industry continues to ramp up, more employers are also getting back more staff on their books, with 176 hospitality and catering jobs on offer currently in the Hunter.
The Adzuna data also reveals where employers are hiring with a staggering 55 jobs advertised for Rutherford, 26 at Glendale, 25 in Gateshead, 23 at Kotara South and 22 jobs each in Mayfield West and Charlestown.
Sally Bartley, director and recruitment specialist at People Fusion in Newcastle, said across their temporary and permanent divisions, they have experienced an increase month on month from the past two months in job numbers.
“One sector or role type isn’t playing a significant role in this we are experiencing a generalist mix of positions which is healthy,” she said.
“We were expecting and preparing candidates for roles to be offered as contracted positions however this hasn’t been the case which indicates confidence in longer term sustainability for businesses locally.
In May, People Fusion conducted a survey with 103 clients asking them to share their experiences and insights on how COVID-19 impacted teams, environments and operations and their predictions for the future.
It found 66 per cent experienced a downturn in demand, although 72 per cent did not have to stand down workers and even 12 per cent hired new employees as a result of COVID-19.
It also revealed many staff were on reduced hours and JobKeeper and for those that had to stand down employees, half stood down less than 25 per cent.
After post COVID-19, 61 per cent expect to deliver products and services differently.
Ms Bartley said clients who were early adaptors to change have been clearer on what their business needs were likely to be for 2021.
“We are pleased to hear that clients are projecting that far forward again,” she added.
“Applications for advertised roles are still high, people are taking longer to find roles and the process for clients has become longer due to the volume.”
BUSINESS RECOVERY
Director at Diesel pro in Hexham, Bob Carter, said in April most companies they had dealt with put a stop on spending money, but things started to change, and for the better.
“It started to change and become the new norm,” he said.
“It just started to ramp back up and the following months after that, we were down about 10-15 per cent on the same time as the previous year, but it regained momentum pretty quickly.”
The heavy vehicle equipment repair and maintenance company has 30 staff and when COVID-19 hit, had to make a few changes to keep them all in a job.
“It was business as usual but even though we had a downturn, we elected to try and sit it out and keep everyone working and then JobKeeper quickly came online which helped us dramatically,” Mr Carter said.
“We cut hours back on overtime and also on spending.
“We wound back an afternoon shift not to pay penalty rates, because the last thing I wanted to do was for people to lose their incomes.
“We’re a family-owned company, all our people here are really important and are good people.”
And there was even a highlight to come out of COVID-19, with Diesel Pro ramping up its efforts to bring on new staff.
“We were becoming a bit complacent, we had work rolling in the door, we had clients usually by word of mouth,” he said.
“We had to work a bit harder when the downturn was on, so we had to go and pick up few extra clients and our customer base has grown.
“It’s hard to say COVID-19 has been positive for anyone but for us the support we have got, it has been ok.”
WHAT JOBS ARE ON OFFER IN THE HUNTER?
Accounting 70
Admin 82
Charity 1
Consultancy 34
Creative and design 2
Customer service 19
Domestic help cleaners 30
Energy, oil and gas 13
Engineering 79
Graduate jobs 6
Healthcare and nursing 754
Hospitality and catering 176
HR and recruitment 17
IT jobs 41
Legal 21
Logistics and warehouse 65
Maintenance 10
Manufacturing 32
Other/General 118
Part time jobs 1
PR advertising marketing 8
Property 6
Retail 75
Sales 90
Scientific 7
Social 28
Teaching 87
Trade and construction 237
Travel 9
Unknown 347
(total 2463)
WHAT SUBURBS HAVE THE MOST JOBS?
Rutherford - 55
Glendale - 26
Gateshead - 25
Kotara South - 23
Charlestown - 22
Kurri Kurri - 21
Cessnock - 18
Bonnells Bay - 16
Williamtown - 13
East Maitland - 12
Karuah - 11
Belmont South - 10
Broadmeadow - 10
Hamilton - 10
New Lambton - 10