Underemployment is a ‘huge problem’ often overlooked in unemployment debates by Sky News Australia on YouTube

Underemployment is a ‘huge problem’ often overlooked in unemployment debates
Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke says underemployment is a “huge problem” which often gets lost in the debates about unemployment. This comes after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg set his sights on a jobless rate below five percent ahead of his pre-budget address in Canberra today. “Having jobs is incredibly important, having secure jobs is important too and while you’ll hear the government talk about unemployment, you’ll never hear them talk about underemployment,” Mr Burke said. “Let’s not forget, when you say how many people are either looking for work or looking for more hours, we get to a figure approaching two million Australians. “And one of the things that often gets lost in the unemployment debate is the moment you’re working one hour a week you’re counted as employed. “But there will be a lot of people who had permanent secure jobs before the pandemic and are moving onto insecure jobs where they don’t get enough hours on the other side of the pandemic. “So it’s going to be a bit early to be celebrating some of these statistics. “The fact people are getting into the workforce is good but underemployment and insecure employment are a huge problem in this country".

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