MEDIA RELEASE
For further information contact:
Name:
Lizzie Ball
Position:
Communications Manager
Contact phone:
(02) 8243 1200
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Retail shows stability, despite downturn
Service Skills Australia, the industry skills council for the service industries, has welcomed data
from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that shows positive development in the accommodation
and food services, and retail sectors.
The quarterly labour force data for May 2009 (ABS 6291.0.55.003) shows employment in these
sectors have recovered in the last few months. Employment in accommodation and food services
has increased to 721 200 from 702 500 in the previous quarter. The last peak was in the August
2008 quarter with 716 400.
Even though employment in the retail sector can not yet reach the levels from late 2007/ early
2008, the figures have shown continuous improvement since the August 2008 quarter.
The Treasurer’s Economic Note of 22 June 2009 stated “… there are now 15,250 more
Australians employed in the retail sector than in November last year. This is a good result in
tough circumstances, for a sector that employs so many Australians”.
The Treasurer’s note also indicated that this trend contrasts with significant falls in retail
employment elsewhere in the world. Since November last year, the US has lost 308,000 retail
jobs, Canada has lost 37,000 retail jobs, the UK has lost 32,000 retail jobs, and NZ has lost
31,000 retail jobs
CEO of Service Skills Australia, Jeanette Allen said, “Skills shortages will continue long after the
recession is over, these latest figures highlight the need for governments and businesses need to
plan for the long term”.
“Employers need to continue to invest in the skills development of their staff. Customer service is
a pivotal skill in the service industry, as customer service provided by knowledgeable staff is one
of the major contributors to keep existing customers loyal and attract new ones, hence assuring
the success of a business”.
NEWS 
