the troubadour

Recent data from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in WA shows labour availability is at its highest level in more than a decade, with just 11% of employers reporting labour as being scarce.

About 30% of business reported they had cut their workforce in the past three months.

The Chamber reported that 60% of local businesses expected the economy to perform poorly over the next 12 months, compared to 29% at the same time last year.

commonwealth

Time to buy property in syd. Low interest rates for years to come.

EvannTel

Not surprised.
I think a lot of the pessimism is due to unfounded media hype. While things have slowed, I don't they're dire.

spouse of scouse

Definitely slowed, more a return to business as usual I think. At the height of the resources boom, I was seeing very few applications for local government jobs. Engineering, planning and accountancy were worst hit but even admin and community services jobs were attracting few applicants. Head hunting abounded and Managers were in a constant tizz as they watched their staff leave for far better salaries than LG could offer.

I remember advertising twice for a project officer without any luck, and finished up taking on someone with no experience at all. The same job was advertised about a month ago, with over 70 applications. Local government still seems to find it difficult to attract urban planners and accountants, but jobs in the outside workforce and admin areas are now swamped with applications.

the troubadour

Hopefully interest rates won't remain low for years to come otherwise the housing market will be out of reach few all but a few.

Together will low rates and a low dollar the result will not be confined to Sydney.

It will bring in a wave of foreign capital that will distort the housing market for one thing,putting it out of reach for most Australians.

the troubadour

Dire would be too strong a word. But the pessimism is coming from business despite low interest rates and the knowledge for sometime of a likely change in government.

the troubadour

With a downturn and excessive candidates for positions,how much longer before a downward pressure in salaries being offered, becomes more widespread than mostly within the resource industry, I wonder?

Beoz

The knock on effect is being felt elsewhere. The big engineering firms are firing in Sydney which was once sustainable due to WA propping up the business.

the troubadour

Browsing through other forums it becomes rather clear that their is a widespread level of dissatisfaction with the path Australia has taken in recent years.

More younger folk seem to be considering the immigration option themselves. Nothing new there but the numbers may well increase with those able to get good positions in The States which would appear the most popular.
The cost of housing does seem to be a big motivator in seeking greener pastures. Keep an eye on the outward movement of emigrants over the coming years.

Beoz

Something like New Zealands brain drain

spouse of scouse

Very difficult to fiddle about with salaries in LG, except maybe at the highest levels (CEO, Director, Manager) as these staff are usually on annualised salaries for a specific contract period. All other positions are governed by the Award and graded accordingly. For example, if a Level 4 was expected to perform Level 5 duties without a corresponding grade/pay increase, there'd be hell to pay.

Luma

Things are slowing down a lot and getting worse for sure - just the cuts to education are enough to show that the government is desperate. I've heard from a geotechnical engineer that there is nothing in the pipeline of new projects for WA for next 2 years so we'll have to get money from elsewhere in WA. Most people live from month to month so when they lose their jobs the bills just won't get paid and what happens with mortgages - how long can you go without paying - how much grace does the bank give you? Time to tighten the belts and we're in for a rough road ahead me thinks.

renth

Credit rating loss puts spending under pressure

"The Barnett Government has lost WA's rolled-gold AAA credit rating for the first time since the WA Inc era, a development that will usher in widespread cuts to spending and programs, privatisation of State-owned assets and the delay or axing of major infrastructure projects."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...nder-pressure/

verystormy

Can only talk about my industry - geology - it is dead. Not dying. Dead. I have mates with bag loads of experience, post grad qualifications and everything you would look for and out of work 6 months without even a sniff of a job.

commonwealth

Time to move to the southeast!