Otago job adverts up nearly 25%
Above national average
OTAGO job advertisements continue to grow at a steady pace, increasing by nearly 25% in May, according to the ANZ Job Ads series.
Growth was above the national average of 15.6%.
OtagoSouthland Employers Association chief executive Virginia Nicholls said when it was considered Otago had been consistently higher than the national average for job ads, the latest increase was impressive.
In the past two years during May, job ads in Otago had grown from 1022 to 1542 job ads, an increase of 520 job ads, or 51%.
Southland annual job adverts in May increased by 15.5% on a threemonth average.
‘‘This is significant for a region who is turning the corner. The job ads in Southland are now sitting at the same level as the national average across New Zealand.’’
In the past two years during May, Southland jobs ads have increased from 326 to 398, an increase of 72 job ads, or 22%.
Businesses in both Otago and Southland were reporting skill shortages constraining growth, particularly in construction and tourism, Mrs Nicholls said.
There were concerns about finding seasonal staff for the winter tourism operators, along with the associated accommodation for staff, particularly in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Businesses were asking for access to skilled migrants, to continue to thrive and to grow their business, she said.
The national ANZ Job Ads series showed ads easing 0.6% in May, seasonally adjusted.
ANZ senior economist Sharon Zollner said the data was reaching a plateau after a period of strong growth. The number of ads posted were up 15.6% on a year ago.
Auckland had the strongest of the main centres’ annual growth at 15.3%, despite flat ads in May.
Wellington job ads were up 10% annually and down 0.8% on a monthly basis.
Canterbury ads rose another 1.1% on a monthly basis to their highest level since mid2015.
Other New Zealand cities, including Dunedin, are included in regional data.
Ms Zollner said the regions continued to forge ahead and all experienced stronger annual job ad growth than any of the three main centres.
‘‘As has been the case for some time, the construction, utilities, manufacturing and transport sector is the largest driver of total job ads growth.’’
The service sector was also contributing strongly, as was retail and tourism, she said. Labour demand was strong. Corroborating strong levels of job advertising surveys showed firms had positive employment intentions and finding staff was a major constraint on growth.
That in itself was a reason for job ads to tail off. Employees were harder to find and firms turned to nonadvertising, or creative, means, Ms Zollner said.
‘‘We expect wage growth to lift this year as the unemployment rate remains below 5%.’’