We take a look at our new Leading Indicator of Employment tool which predicts when there are likely to be significant changes in the labour market.

We also provide a brief insight into the latest research information including literacy and numeracy in the workforce, and employer-funded education and training.

To find out more – keep reading.

Household Labour Force Survey

Unemployment rate down to 6.0%. The March 2010 quarter fall in the unemployment rate was the largest drop since the HLFS began in 1986, a decline from 7.1% to 6%. This was driven by a fall in the number of unemployed males aged 15-24. Read more about the March 2010 HLFS data.

Leading Indicator of Employment

The Department launched the Leading Indicator of Employment on 12 May. This indicator predicts when there are likely to be significant changes in the labour market.

The Indicator is quarterly and draws on five existing indicators by combining them.

Although the Indicator’s main function is to predict peaks and troughs in employment, it can also forecast employment growth for the subsequent three quarters.

The Indicator is predicting that employment is likely to grow between 0.1% and 0.5% in the next two quarters, and slightly more in the December 2010 quarter. The Leading Indicator of Employment will be issued quarterly, following the release of the Household Labour Force Survey. Read more about the Leading Indicator of Employment.

Regional Labour Market Information Meetings

During June and July, the Department of Labour will be coordinating a series of regional meetings with government organisations, business groups and tertiary education organisations (TEOs) to improve the level of knowledge on sources of labour market information. This will be particularly useful for TEOs in their investment planning for TEC funding as well as general business development purposes.

To find out more about these free meetings email Neil Cooper – Manager of Labour Market Skills: [email protected]

Jobs Online

Online job advertisements for skilled vacancies rose by 8.6% in the three months to the end of April 2010. Growth increased in the following areas: construction and engineering (up 15.1%), sales, retail, marketing and advertising (up 11.4%), and IT (up 10.8%). Read more about Jobs Online.

Our Latest Research Reports

The ‘Workers with low literacy or numeracy skills: characteristics, jobs, and education and training patterns’ report explores the connection between low literacy and future education or training. It maps low literacy and numeracy skills by industry and occupation. Read more about this report.

Workforce Education and Training

‘Employer-funded education and training — who receives it?’ research report explores the factors that make employer-funded education and training more likely. A survey conducted in 2008 found that 31% of employees had received employer-funded education and training, in the previous 12 months. Skilled workers in the public sector were more likely to have received this training. Read more about this report.

‘Dynamics’ is a quarterly newsletter provided by Work Directions. Work Directions takes the leading role in providing analysis and insights about the New Zealand labour market. This includes coverage of recent trends and research on what the labour market will look like in the future.

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