Vacancies rise 1.8%

The number of overall jobs advertised online for skilled workers increased by 1.8% according to the Jobs Online report for October. The monthly report is published by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Some positions saw significant increases, with both Solicitors and Engineering Managers each seeing a rise of 47% compared to this time last year.

On top of that, vacancies increased in 9 out of 10 regions across the country. The one region that decreased was Canterbury, with the biggest group being laborers. Mike Stenhouse, Director of Sheffield South Island, said that whilst the overall number of vacancies in Canterbury fell, demand in most areas remains well above pre-earthquake levels. “This is clearly reflected in the overall growth in Canterbury economy.” Mike also remarked that “the continued shortages in the professional services and education sectors reflect the long standing skill shortages and the need for employers to be more innovative in their recruitment strategies in the crowded market.”

The monthly MBIE report measures changes in job vacancies advertised by businesses on Seek, Trade Me Jobs and the Education Gazette.