ASPL says inflation is causing more Australians to hold multiple jobs than ever before

According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australians holding multiple jobs has reached record numbers. ASPL CEO, Kris Grant, said in a statement that this is due to inflation.

“The sharp rise in multiple jobholders is also likely a sign that many Australians are struggling to make ends meet with one job alone, so they are working two or more jobs to cover the rising cost of living,” explained Ms Grant.

“Mortgage and energy costs are soaring, and rising grocery costs are eating significantly into household budgets, so many Australians are being forced to work more than one job to overcome high inflation. Others may simply be taking advantage of a strong jobs market to earn more income to spend and save more.”

ASPL says that according to the ABS, in the June quarter multiple job holders (more than 2 roles) rose 4.3 per cent, reaching 900,000 people. Those with two jobs reached 1 million, which was an increase of 5.5 per cent.

Ms Grant commented: “These jobs figures are signs of a very strong jobs market. Vacancies are surging, and that is leading to continued tightness in the jobs market, which will invariably lead to higher wages growth in 2023 as employers struggle to fill vacancies.”

“Many workers will be in a better position to demand a long-awaited wage rise to ensure their real wage is maintained. The numbers also suggest that the unemployment rate could stay below 4% for many months to come,” she said.

In her statement, Ms Grant called out some of the top industries “with the highest number of secondary jobs being held” (noting there are a lot of women in these industries) as:

• Healthcare and social assistance
• Education
• Administrative and support services

She put forward “it could be that relatively low paid nurses or aged care workers are having to seek out second jobs to cover rising prices.”

HR Leader notes that according to the ABS, filled jobs also reached their peak this year, rising 2.2 per cent to nearly 15 million, and total jobs increased 2.5 per cent to 15.5 million.

ABS data also shows job vacancies remain at record highs, rising by 14.3 per cent in the June quarter. There are around 480,500 vacant jobs in Australia.

HR Leader covered in last week’s roundup how employers can support employees through the rising cost of living.

Job vacancies were at record highs but are now starting to ease, per a recent ABS statement.

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.