Australia Jobless Rate Stays at 7-Month Low

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.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.3% in November 2025, unchanged from October, below expectations of 4.4%. The number of unemployed people dropped by 2,100 to a three-month low of 662,300 in November, down from 664,400 in October. Among them, the number of people seeking part-time jobs declined by 7,600 to 216,000, while those looking for full-time jobs increased by 5,500 to 446,300. Meanwhile, employment unexpectedly fell by 21,300 to 14.66 million, missing forecasts for a 20,000 rise, shifting from a downwardly revised gain of 41,200 in October. Full-time employment decreased by 56,500 to 10.08 million, while part-time employment increased by 35,200 to 4.58 million. The participation rate edged down to 66.7% from 66.9% in October and below estimates of 67.0%, marking the lowest in eight months. The underemployment rate climbed to 6.2% from 5.7% in October. Additionally, total monthly hours worked across all jobs declined by 1 million to 1,996 million.