Key survey findings:(Source: H2 2013 Michael Page Australia Employment Index)50% of surveyed employers will keep staff numbers stable for the remainder of 2013, and 19% will increase the size of their teams. 46% of employers expect to hire in 12-18 months and 40% in 18 months or longer. 88% of survey respondents believe a reduction in the carbon tax would have a positive impact on businesses.5 September, 2013: Employers in Australia continue to hold a steady view of the domestic economy and this is translating into longer term hiring intentions, according to findings in the H2 2013 Michael Page Australia Employment Index.Half of the surveyed employers will keep staff numbers in their business stable over the second half of the year, and the majority do not plan to increase hiring activity until 12 months time or more, with 46% expecting to hire in 12-18 months and 40% in 18 months or longer.“While Australia has been reasonably shielded from the impact of the US and Eurozone economies and there is a sense of hopefulness in the domestic market, employers in Australia are taking a somewhat vigilant approach to hiring,” says Mr. Phillip Guest, Regional Managing Director for PageGroup Australia, New Zealand and Japan. “The domestic employment market has been in a bit of a holding pattern over the past year or so and employers are becoming increasingly conservative in their hiring intentions.”Of the 19% of respondents indicating an increase in headcount in the second half of 2013, the majority, 45%, anticipate an increase at the smallest range of up to 5% and a further 31% are likely to increase between 5% and 10%. Aligned with this reserved hiring activity, the overwhelming majority of survey respondents (76%) do not expect the Australian economy to grow during the second half of the year.When asked if a potential reduction in the carbon tax post the Federal Election would impact businesses, more surveyed employers believe it would not (52%) than those that say it will (48%). Of those believing there will be an impact, the vast majority of survey respondents (88%) said it would be a positive impact.“As we move through the remainder of the second half of the year, and with the impending Federal Election and subsequent outcome, we may see a positive shift in employer outlook going into the new year which could translate into renewed hiring activity,” adds Mr. Guest.For more information and to read the full report visit the Michael Page Australia online News & Research Centre: www.michaelpage.com.au/newsandresearchcentre
