Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
Powered by momentum media
Powered by momentum media
nestegg logo
Advertisement

Invest

Unemployment rises as job creation declines, says JobAdder CEO

  • May 21 2026
  • Share

Invest

Unemployment rises as job creation declines, says JobAdder CEO

By Newsdesk
May 21 2026

In a revealing analysis of the current job market, Martin Herbst, CEO of JobAdder, has provided insights following the release of the latest Labour Force Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The data indicates a troubling trend for job seekers, with unemployment rates on the rise and a decline in job creation and permanent roles.

Unemployment rises as job creation declines, says JobAdder CEO

author image
  • May 21 2026
  • Share

In a revealing analysis of the current job market, Martin Herbst, CEO of JobAdder, has provided insights following the release of the latest Labour Force Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The data indicates a troubling trend for job seekers, with unemployment rates on the rise and a decline in job creation and permanent roles.

Unemployment rises as job creation declines, says JobAdder CEO

"The ABS confirmed today that unemployment is up, and we know in the market that job creation and permanent roles are also both trending down," Herbst stated. "That whole picture tells you where the market is heading, and it is probably not what job seekers are hoping to hear in this environment."

The latest figures serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Australian job market. According to Herbst, JobAdder’s Job Market Conditions Index currently sits at 48.1, signalling a market that is in "mixed territory with a slight edge for employers." This index reflects the growing competition for fewer available roles, a situation that is causing significant pressure on job seekers. "There are fewer roles, and more competition for each one. That's the pressure jobseekers are feeling that unemployment alone doesn't capture," he explained.

The current economic landscape presents a complex scenario for both employers and job seekers. While the recent federal Budget provided some relief through cost-of-living and small business support measures, Herbst cautions that it is still too early to see these efforts translate into increased hiring confidence. "While last week's Budget backed cost-of-living and some small business support, it’s too early to see that land in hiring confidence," he noted. "But when businesses feel stable, job creation follows. This is what everyone is holding out for."

 
 

The government’s Budget, announced last week, aimed to provide a safety net for struggling Australians and small businesses amid rising living costs. However, the immediate impact on employment figures remains uncertain. Economic analysts suggest that while such measures are crucial, their effects on job creation and employment rates may take time to materialise.

Unemployment rises as job creation declines, says JobAdder CEO

The current job market dynamics underscore the importance of strategic planning for both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, understanding the competitive landscape is key to navigating job applications and securing employment. On the other hand, employers are urged to consider the long-term benefits of stabilising their operations, which could lead to increased job creation down the line.

Herbst's insights highlight the delicate balance required to foster a robust job market. As businesses grapple with economic uncertainties, the hope is that stabilisation efforts will eventually lead to more favourable conditions for job creation. Until then, job seekers are likely to face continued challenges, with heightened competition for available roles.

The Labour Force Data from the ABS provides a critical snapshot of the current employment situation, serving as a valuable tool for policymakers, businesses, and job seekers alike. As the nation navigates these challenging times, the focus remains on fostering conditions that will lead to sustainable job growth and economic stability.

In summary, the latest data from the ABS, coupled with insights from industry leaders like Martin Herbst, paints a picture of a job market in flux. With unemployment on the rise and job creation on the decline, the path forward requires careful consideration and strategic action from all stakeholders involved.

Forward this article to a friend. Follow us on Linkedin. Join us on Facebook. Find us on X for the latest updates
Rate the article

more on this topic

more on this topic

More articles