Unemployment Rises

Australia's unemployment rate increases to 4.2% in July.

Highest Since 2021

This marks the highest unemployment level since November 2021

Employment Gains

Despite the rise, 58,200 new jobs were created last month

Participation Record

The labor force participation rate hit a record 67.1%

Population Ratio

The employment-to-population ratio increased to 64.3%

Underemployment Decreases

Underemployment rate fell slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 6.3%

Hours Worked Rise

Seasonally adjusted hours worked jumped by 0.4% in July

Illness Impact

4.2% of workers reduced hours due to illness, consistent with May

Underutilization Rate

The combined unemployment and underemployment rate reached 10.6%

Economists' Take

Experts see employment growth nearing the pace of population growth

Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap fell to a record low of 11.5%

Inflation Worries

Critics link unemployment rise to ongoing inflation and economic strain