Sharp falls in hiring intentions says new report

The level of planned hiring across Australia has fallen dramatically over the past year according to the latest employment outlook report by leading recruitment firm, Kelly Services.

The Kelly Services Employment Outlook and Salary Guide reveals the recruitment intentions of almost 400 employers and provides salary ranges for selected jobs in key industries across all states.

According to the report, the number of businesses planning to recruit more staff has fallen from 60 per cent to 30 per cent over the past year. Meanwhile the number of businesses planning to decrease staff has increased from 5 per cent to 18 per cent. Businesses planning to retain current staff levels have increased from 35 per cent to 51 per cent.

Kelly Services Managing Director, James Bowmer said the report shows that despite the difficult economic conditions, many employers are trying to retain their employees in preparation for an economic recovery.

ìBefore the global financial crisis, employers were desperate to find skilled employees to fill the shortages.

ìWhen the market recovers, it is important that employers have the skills needed to meet growing demand. This report suggests that many employers are putting time and effort into finding ways to retain their employees during tough timesî.

The report finds that half of all employers surveyed had five or more employees leave in the three months to January. Some 14 per cent had no staff turnover in that period.

When it comes to employee benefits, flexible hours has become the most prominent, followed by salary sacrifice and study allowance. Company benefits such as bonuses have noticeably decreased.

The report shows a state-by-state breakdown of the salaries in industries including accounting and finance; construction and engineering; call centre; IT; human resources and; sales and marketing.

According to the report, the role of a project engineer in construction will be paid the least in South Australia and the highest in Western Australia. Those in the inbound call centre industry have the highest wages in Western Australia and paid the least in New South Wales and Queensland. An accountant will be the best paid in New South Wales.