Australia Jobless Rate Highest Since 2021

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.5% in April, above both the previous month and market expectations of 4.3%. It was the highest level since November 2021, as the number of unemployed rose by 33,000 to 692,500 from 659,500 in March. The number of part-time job seekers climbed by 22,300 to 241,700, while those in full-time work rose by 10,700 to 450,800. Employment unexpectedly fell by 18,600 to 14.74 million, defying estimates for a 17,500 increase, after an upwardly revised gain of 23,300 in March. Full-time employment dropped by 43,900 to 10.16 million, while part-time employment fell by 11,900 to 4.58 million. The participation rate edged down to a three-month low of 66.7% from March’s level and market estimates of 66.8%. The underemployment rate inched down to 5.8% from 5.9%. Meanwhile, total monthly hours worked across all jobs increased by 16 million to 2,036 million.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.3% in March 2026, unchanged from February and in line with forecasts. Still, the latest reading remained at the highest level since last November, even as the number of unemployed fell by 3,700 to 656,300 from 660,100 in February. The number of part-time job seekers fell by 3,800 to 217,500, while those in full-time work rose by 4,600 to 438,800. Meanwhile, employment rose by 17,900 to 14.77 million, below estimates for a 20,000 increase, the weakest job growth since a contraction last November and following an upwardly revised gain of 49,600 in February. Full-time employment increased by 52,500 to 10.17 million, while part-time employment dropped by 34,600 to 4.59 million. The participation rate edged down to 66.8% from both February’s four-month high of 66.9% and market estimates. The underemployment rate held steady at 5.9%. Meanwhile, total monthly hours worked across all jobs rose by 9 million to 2,016 million.

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.