Australia Jobless Rate Highest Since 2021

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in February 2026, exceeding both the 4.1% forecast and levels seen in the previous two months. This marked the highest reading since November, as the number of unemployed increased by 35,000 to a three-month high of 659,100 from 624,200 in January. Those seeking full-time work grew by 31,000 to 433,000, and part-time job seekers edged up 3,900 to 226,100. Meanwhile, employment climbed 48,900 to a new peak of 14.75 million, easily beating estimates of a 20,300 increase and after an upwardly revised 26,000 gain in January. Part-time employment jumped 79,400 to 4.63 million, but full-time employment declined 30,500 to 10.12 million. The participation rate hit a four-month high of 66.9%, compared with estimates and December's 66.7%. The underemployment rate held steady at 5.9%. Meanwhile, total monthly hours worked across all jobs eased 3 million to 2,007 million.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.1% in January 2026, unchanged from the previous month but slightly below market forecasts of 4.2%. It remained the lowest reading since May, underscoring continued labor market resilience. The number of unemployed edged down 19,000 to an eight-month low of 624,700 from 626,600 in December. Those seeking full-time work fell by 16,000 to 403,600, while part-time job seekers rose by 14,100 to 221,100. Meanwhile, employment increased by 17,800 to a new peak of 14.70 million, compared with estimates of a 20,000 increase and after an upwardly revised 68,500 gain in December. Full-time employment added 50,500 to 10.16 million, but part-time employment fell 32,700 to 4.55 million. The participation rate held steady at 66.7%, slightly less than the consensus of 66.8%. The underemployment rate edged up to 5.9% from 5.7% previously. Meanwhile, total monthly hours worked across all jobs grew 11 million to 2,013 million.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in December 2025 from 4.3% in November, below expectations of 4.4%. It marked the lowest jobless rate since May, as the number of unemployed people dropped by 29,800 to a seven-month low of 628,600 in December from 658,400 in November. Among them, the number of people seeking full-time jobs fell by 21.400 to 421,700, while those looking for part-time jobs shrank by 8,400 to 206,800. Meanwhile, employment rose by 65,200 to a record high of 14.68 million, well above forecasts of a 30,000 gain, rebounding from an upwardly revised drop of 28,700 in November. Full-time employment rose by 54,800 to 10.10 million, while part-time employment climbed by 10,400 to 4.58 million. The participation rate ticked up to 66.7% from 66.6% in November, but below estimates of 66.8%. The underemployment rate decreased to 5.7% from 6.2% in November. Additionally, total monthly hours worked across all jobs advanced by 8 million to 2,001 million.