NSW’s additional 8,400 jobs led the nation’s employment growth in January, according to recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force Figures.
NSW Treasurer Mike Baird said the figures showed NSW’s labour market holding its own in testing national and global circumstances.
“While employment fell by 3,700 jobs nationally, we were able to add 8,400 jobs in NSW, more than were created in any other state,” he said. “We continue to have the second-lowest unemployment rate among the states, after Western Australia.”
Mr Baird welcomed the participation rate, saying “given the significant economic headwinds we are facing, these numbers confirm that people in NSW are feeling more confident about looking for jobs – and they are finding them.”
ABS figures also confirmed positive news in the NAB monthly business survey, which showed business conditions and confidence rising in January, with NSW sitting second among the states on both measures.
Mr Baird said the improved business environment should help further build jobs numbers, and provide a base for increased investment over coming months.