Places outside major metro regions feel impact of public sector job cuts: SEEK
The number of job ads in New Zealand continued falling in May 2024, according to the latest SEEK data, with regions outside the metro feeling the public sector job cuts.
The SEEK Employment Report revealed job ads fell five per cent in May, similar to the drop recorded a month prior. Annually, job ads are also 30% lower.
"It is an incredibly tough labour market at the moment, and SEEK data reflects that, with declining ad volumes in most regions and in all sectors," said Rob Clark, SEEK NZ country manager, in a statement.
Source: SEEK
Clark further pointed out the impact of the government's mandated cuts in spending across the public sector, which led to agencies freezing hiring and reducing headcount.
"We know there have been major cuts to the public sector and in May this was mostly felt outside the major metro regions, with a seven per cent decline in regional public sector roles month-on-month," he said.
By industry, location
According to SEEK data, the construction sector reported the largest monthly (-7%) and quarterly drop (-10%).
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Source: SEEK
By industry, the consulting and strategy sector saw a -24% drop in job ads. The human resources and recruitment sector also saw a six per cent decline, according to the report.
On the other hand, the mining, resources, and energy industry recorded a 21% increase in job ad volumes. Other sectors that reported an increase include the advertising, arts, and media (10%), legal (3%), as well as the insurance and superannuation sector (3%).
By location, Gisborne logged the biggest monthly decline with -14%, followed by Marlborough with -10%, and Waikato with -7%.
The West Coast saw a significant increase in job ads with 39% followed by Taranaki (3%).
Source: SEEK
Applications per job ad
Meanwhile, applications per job ad remained steady in April after rising for seven consecutive months, according to SEEK NZ.
"Applications per job ad, which measures competition among candidates for vacant roles, did not grow or decline in April and remain exceptionally high," Clark said.
"This is particularly true for roles in Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Construction and Trades & Services."
Robert Walters previously revealed that job applications have been surging across the country with a 172% increase recorded in Auckland, amid cuts in the public sector.