With EDDCaller.com, getting assistance for unemployment, paid family leave, and disability departments by phone has never been easier. By using this autodial program, it’s the fastest way to get through to EDD. The rising unemployment rate is concerning, having increased from a revised 3.8% in October to 4.2%. This statistic was shared by Bjorn Jarvis, the ABS head of labour statistics, who also mentioned a rising employment figure.

Jarvis detailed both the increases and decreases observed in different job sectors. He explained that while employment overall rose by 61,000 people, the number of unemployed individuals also rose by about 19,000.

In addition, he revealed that high population growth over the past year has led to continued employment growth. The employment-to-population ratio has consistently held strong, fluctuating between 64.4% and 64.6% since February 2023.

We have continued to see employment growth keeping pace with high population growth through 2023, said Jarvis, hinting at the overall strength of the job market. He also attributed the increased unemployment rate to this population growth.

However, despite the increasing number of unemployed individuals, overall unemployment measures are still below their pre-pandemic levels. The statistics show that the strong employment growth over the past year was only slightly offset by rising numbers of unemployed people.

On the flip side, research firm Roy Morgan suggested that the real unemployment rate is slightly lower at 9.7%. Unfortunately, the same research also revealed that the number of underemployed Australians rose, increasing by 45,000. Factoring in under-employed individuals, Roy Morgan’s unemployment rate sits at a considerably high 19.6%.

Overall, the key challenge remains in finding suitable jobs for everyone who needs them, given the rapidly growing population. As such, dealing with the high level of unemployment and underemployment should be the main focus of the Federal Government in the upcoming year.