South Australia’s economy has absorbed the January Omicron wave, holding the unemployment rate to just 4.8 per cent, the state’s 4th best result in the last 12 years.
Today’s number of employed is also the 4th highest in South Australian history.
“We knew the health restrictions put in place to control Omicron would have an impact on employment levels but for the unemployment rate to be just 4.8 per cent right in the middle of those restrictions is an incredibly strong result,” said David Pisoni Minister for Innovation and Skills.
“With health restrictions easing significantly, the latest support package for hospitality and more people returning to work in the CBD I’m confident there will be further strong jobs growth in the coming months.
“Today’s increase in unemployment is also a timely reminder of the danger of electing a Malinauskas Labor Government at the coming state election.
“Under the last Labor Government the unemployment rate never fell below 5.6 per cent despite the fact it wasn’t dealing with a pandemic.
“South Australians shouldn’t risk the jobs killing policies of the former union boss Peter Malinauskas and his mates in the last Labor Government.”
South Australia has created 30,300 new jobs in the last 12 months.
Since the peak of the pandemic in May 2020 total employment has increased by 64,300.
South Australia’s total employment has increased by 17,000 on pre-pandemic levels.
