Australia Employment Unexpectedly Drops

Employment in Australia fell by 18,600 to a 14.74 million in March 2026, reversing an upwardly revised 23,300 increase in the previous month and missing market expectations for a 17,500 gain. It was the first decline since November, as full-time employment shrank by 10,700 to 10.16 million and part-time employment slid 7,900 to 4.58 million. The employment-to-population ratio remained was down to 63.7% from the prior 63.9, marking the fifth straight month of decline. Meanwhile, the participation rate edged down to 66.7% from the prior 66.8%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 128,900, or 0.9%.

Employment in Australia rose by 17,900 to a record 14.76 million in March 2026, slowing sharply from an upwardly revised 49,600 increase in the previous month and missing market expectations for a 20,000 gain. The softer outcome marked the weakest job growth since a contraction last November. Full-time employment remained resilient, rising by 52,500 to 10.17 million, while part-time employment fell by 34,600 to 4.59 million, partially offsetting overall gains and pointing to a shift in job composition. The employment-to-population ratio remained unchanged at 64.0% for the fourth straight month, while the participation rate edged down to 66.8% from the prior 66.9%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 258,800, or 1.8%.

Employment in Australia jumped 48,900 to a fresh peak of 14.75 million in February 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 26,000 gain in the previous month, compared with market expectations of a 20,300 increase. The latest result indicated the third straight month of monthly growth, as part-time employment surged 79,400 to 4.63 million, but full-time employment declined 30,500 to 10.12 million. The employment-to-population ratio remained unchanged at 64.0%, and the participation rate increased to 66.9% from the prior 66.7%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 264,700, or 1.8%.