Today’s employment figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that Victorians who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to lose hope.
The numbers show that in September, there were 36,000 fewer Victorians in work than in August. Since the pandemic began in March, 219,000 Victorians have lost their jobs.
However, the latest numbers of people looking for work demonstrates that because of the second wave caused by Labor’s bungled hotel quarantine program and inadequate contact tracing, job seekers are losing hope that they can find another job.
In September, over 55,000 more people gave up looking for work compared to August.
Victoria’s labour force has shrunk by over 175,000 people since March as a result of the pandemic and the second wave. The labour participation rate is now 63.0 per cent, which is the lowest level since May 2004.
More worrying is the youth participation rate is now 54.2 per cent, which is the lowest level ever recorded in Victoria by the ABS.
Comments attributable to Shadow Treasurer, Louise Staley:
“Today’s figures released by the ABS show that despair in the Victorian community has set in as people give up in trying to find work.
“Another 36,000 people lost their jobs in August, and 219,000 have lost their jobs since this pandemic began.
“Now, Victorians looking for work so they can feed their families and put a roof over their heads, are losing hope that Daniel Andrews will ever be able to get business going again.
“Of colossal concern is young people giving up looking for work, as the youth participation rate has plummeted to its lowest point in 16 years.
“Over 55,000 people giving up looking for work in a month is a tragedy. What Victorians need is hope, not more restrictions that destroy jobs and destroy hope.”
