WRS Wellington Employment Workshop Labour market from a business perspective Jeremy Harding Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce

Employment Trends

Public Service Cutbacks

Labour shortages In spite of high unemployment rate employers are finding it hard to find labour. Not just skilled but to a lesser extent un- skilled too.

Labour shortages Our recent survey shows: –Labour shortages is the most common factor holding business back –35% of respondents say its harder to find skilled staff than it was 12 months age. –36% of Wellington Businesses say they have skill gaps

Labour shortages

Where are the skill gaps? Survey shows: –IT –Construction related sectors Needs more investigation.

Employment Intentions Business Confidence is improving … but employment intentions are mixed 59.3% are planning on recruiting new staff in the next 6-12 months. 23.5% expect to have a larger payroll (greater number of staff) 60% same and 16.5% less.

Population

“Wellington needs more people” We need a debate about population growth for Wellington

Skilled Population

What Can We Do? 1.Attracting and Retaining Businesses and growing business activity is key to growing local economy and job numbers 2.Increased internationalisation of Wellington business. Untapped potential in services sector (including international education and tourism) 3.Grow the Wellington population – Attract some of the migration which is staying in Auckland