Job ads on Australian job board Seek are down 20.9% year-on-year in September 2020. The 20.9% fall is the smallest difference in year-on-year comparison since the pandemic began, improving further from August which had a year-on-year difference of 29.1%.

Among the states and territories, job ads in Victoria fell by 48.2%, the steepest year-on-year drop. The Northern Territory recorded the biggest year-on-year increase at 15.1%

When compared to the previous month Seek job ads are up by 9.2%. Victoria recorded the biggest increase at 12.9%, followed by the Northern Territory at 12.8%.

Kendra Banks, Managing Director, Seek ANZ said, “This month we have seen strong growth across all states and territories nationally, resulting in a healthy month-on-month growth of 9.2%. With last week’s Federal Budget including a focus on jobs and employment, together with the potential easing of restrictions in Victoria, we will be watching with interest to see if this positive trend continues.”

By industry, the hospitality and tourism industry recorded a 41% increase, the biggest month-on-month increase. At the same time, insurance and superannuation recorded a month-on-month decrease of 7%, the biggest monthly decrease in September.

“Topping the list of industries contributing the most to growth in jobs listed on seek.com.au is Hospitality & Tourism,” Banks said. “This industry has seen the highest number of jobs increase on-site from August to September with a 41% increase in new jobs advertised. This is particularly pleasing as we know this industry has been impacted heavily over the course of the year. Its recovery is closely linked to the easing of restrictions, and we are also starting to see businesses prepare for the summer and Christmas holiday period by beginning seasonal hiring.”