Fresh Lockdown Measures Feeding Into ABS Payrolls

The ABS notes that "payroll jobs fell by 1.0% over the month to 8 August. Over the month to 8 August, payroll jobs fell by 2.8% in Victoria. Some of the initial impacts from the Stage 4 restrictions, are shown in the latest weekly data as they came into effect. Around 39% of jobs lost in Victoria by mid-April had been regained by 27 June, but by early August this had reduced to 12%. Nationally, payroll jobs at 8 August were around 4.9% below mid-March, when Australia recorded its 100th confirmed COVID-19 case. The latest data showed that after an initial period of recovery between mid-April and mid-June, payroll jobs losses had remained between 4-5% below mid-March. By 8 August, around 43% of payroll jobs lost across Australia by mid-April had been recovered. Close to half (52%) of jobs worked by women had been regained, compared to 19% for males. Payroll jobs worked by people aged under 20 increased 1.5% nationally in the month to 8 August, however, there was a 5.6% decrease in Victoria. Female jobs recovery was greatest for those aged under 20, who also experienced the largest fall in jobs through to mid-April." The ABS also noted that "between the week ending 14 March 2020 (the week Australia recorded its 100th confirmed COVID-19 case) and the week ending 8 August 2020 wages decreased by 6.2%."