New Zealand job ads rise for first time in five months
The number of job ads in New Zealand went up for the first time in July after five months of consecutive decline, according to SEEK NZ.
Its latest Employment Report revealed a three per cent monthly job ads increase in July, following a massive eight per cent decline in June.
"While it is pleasing to see an increase in job ad volumes, this comes after five months of consecutive declines, including an eight per cent fall in June," said Rob Clark, country manager at SEEK NZ, in a statement.
According to the report, all regions in New Zealand recorded an increase in job ad volumes except for Southland (-12%), Tasman (-4%), and Gisborne (-1%).
Bay of Plenty registered the highest monthly increase with 16%, followed by Manawatu with (10%).
"In some of the larger regions, including Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and Wellington, July saw the largest monthly rise in job ads in over two years," Clark said.
Source: SEEK NZ Employment Report - July
Industries expecting seasonal workers recorded double-digit increases in job ad volumes in July, according to the report.
The Retail and Consumer Products industry reported a 24% monthly increase in July, while the Hospitality and Tourism industry registered a 20% hike.
"As seasonal industries that are prone to fluctuation, the rise in volumes in Retail & Consumer Products and Hospitality & Tourism may be a sign of businesses preparing for busier seasons," Clark said.
Other industries registering a double-digit increase in job ads include Government and Defence (22%) and the Insurance and Superannuation (18%).
According to the report, only the Consulting and Strategy industry saw decline in job ads after registering a seven per cent drop in July.
Source: SEEK NZ Employment Report - July
Meanwhile, the number of applications per job ad continued increasing after climbing seven per cent in June.
"What hasn't changed this month is the fierce competition among candidates, which shows no sign of abating," Clark said.
The report said demand among candidates "was spread across most regions."
Hawkes Bay saw a 15% increase in applications per job ad, Canterbury recorded a 10% increase, and Auckland reported a seven per cent hike, according to the report.
