WA's labour market remains strong

Issue Date: - Thursday, 11 September 2008

Western Australia has continued its long run as one of the easiest states in which to get a job.

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) put WA’s unemployment rate in August at 2.8%, equal to the lowest on record. It is the thirteenth consecutive month Western Australia has had the lowest jobless rate of all Australian states.

August’s figure is a marginal improvement on July’s rate of 3.1%, and considerably lower than the national rate of 4.1% .

However, the Australia Bureau of Statistics has warned that the July and August figures are not as accurate or reliable as in the past because of a significant reduction in the sample size of the Labour Force Survey.

Acting Executive Director of Labour Relations with the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Mr Bob Horstman, said the latest figures are testament to the continuing strength of the WA economy.

Media Contact: Rick Powell 9222 7634