Revised data now available
Since this page was originally published, the ABS has improved how key population groups are identified and presented to improve the usefulness of barriers and incentives data. Estimates for 2018-19 have now been revised and published in the 2020-21 issue. Please refer to the latest issue for revised estimates.
The 2018-19 Multipurpose Household Survey (MPHS) revealed that of the 19 million people aged 18+ years:
- there were 10.5 million people who did not work full-time
- 17% not participating in the labour force would like a job
- 1 in 3 people working less than 16 hours would like to work more hours
Preference for more hours or work
Employed | Not employed | Total | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Usually works 16-34 hours per week | Usually works fewer than 16 hours per week | Unemployed | Not in the labour force | ||
People aged over 18 years | 2,741,500 | 1,160,500 | 600,300 | 6,066,400 | 10,568,700 |
Would like to work more hours / Would like a job | 639,400 (23%) | 396,800 (34%) | 600,300 (100%) | 1,044,100 (17%) | 2,680,600 |
Did not want more hours / Did not want a job | 2,102,000 (77%) | 763,800 (66%) | - | 5,022,300 (83%) | 7,888,100 |