ABS data released this morning shows that the unemployment rate has increased 0.1 to 5.2 per cent, underemployment has also jumped sharply, up 0.3 to 8.5 per cent. There are more than 1 million people underemployed.
High underemployment has been a key feature of the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison Government as good, secure jobs have become harder to find and more people are forced to look for second and third jobs to make ends meet.
Recent research has shown that people with more and one job earn less than those with a single job. People who cannot get enough hours in their primary job do not have a way to make up that deficit.
The future under a re-elected Morrison Government holds more of the same. Fewer secure jobs, more people being forced to pick up second and third jobs but still not making enough to keep up with the rising cost of living.
As noted by ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:
"People are struggling to find enough work and the only answer from the Morrison Government is to hand more money to the big end of town.
"The Morrison Government's policies have failed to create jobs and improve quality of life for working people.
"We need more secure jobs. We need to put power in the hands of working people so that they can win fair pay rises and better conditions.
"The Morrison Government has cut penalty rates and given tax cuts to business, telling us it would create jobs. It hasn't created a single job, but it has made life harder for millions of people.
"No one should have to work multiple jobs just to keep their head above water.
"We need a government which will look out for working people and create more secure jobs. We have to change the government to change the rules."
