(August 9, 2010)

JOB advertisements in Australian newspapers and on the internet rose 1.3 per cent on a monthly basis in July, data showed today.

The total number of advertisements rose to an average of 171,685 per week, contributing to a 36.1 per cent annual rise, said ANZ Banking Group, which compiles the statistics from major newspapers.

The number of internet job advertisements rose 1.3 per cent in July over June figures, contributing to an annual increase of 37.6 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms.

Job advertisements in newspapers in Australia rose 1.2 per cent last month to register a 14.5 per cent annual increase in seasonally adjusted terms.

ANZ chief economist Warren Hogan said the results of the July survey showed that print and web advertising had built on strong gains in June and May.

“This result highlights Australia's resilience amid the uncertain global economic backdrop. Australian employers still appear upbeat about Australia's economic prospects despite heightened external risks,” he said.

Despite aggressive interest-rate hikes over the last year, the job market has stayed strong, Mr Hogan said.

“The solid performance of job advertisements in recent months suggests that labour demand may hold stronger for longer,” he added.

(Source:Australian)