The number of job postings in New Zealand fell by 21.8% in the September 2023 quarter when compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest national jobs index from the Recruitment Consulting and Staffing's (RCSA) latest Jobs Report.

On a quarterly basis, the national jobs index is on the rebound, rising 3.7% in the September quarter after three consecutive quarterly retractions. The quarterly rise in employment opportunities comes after a 10.8% quarterly decline in job adds in the three months to June. RCSA CEO, Charles Cameron says the data indicates the market is normalising and business confidence is once again on the rise.

"Skills shortages still remain a huge issue in New Zealand and members are telling us that some employers have given up on advertising for staff which could contribute to the decline in postings over the past year,” RCSA CEO, Charles Cameron said. “There is also less 'job hopping' happening because businesses have stopped offering the huge pay rates we saw over covid when the skills shortage was at its worst. With people staying put, there is less need to advertise for staff."

Jobs Report data indicated that employers are looking for permanent employees above a flexible workforce. In the September quarter advertisements for permanent staff rose over the quarter by 5.7% and flexible opportunities fell 6.3%.

“It's not surprising that employers want to lock in permanent workers during a skills shortage. It's also a good thing for job seekers who want more security as the cost-of-living rises, said Cameron. "High paid flexible contracts are beginning to expire, and employment security is becoming more important."

Overall, recruiters reported a slower but more ‘balanced’ market.