Jobs movement in the bellwether industry may be a sign of things to come in economy
A portent has arrived that the Australian economy might be set to turn the corner.
Employment service Hays reports transport and logistics firms are moving to hire workers, a push that economists accept as one signal that business generally is starting to roll.
Though some of this might be due to the traditional pre-Christmas busy season, Hays notes that it is not just the shifting of imported goods seeking more hands.
“We’re also starting to see more export roles due to our low dollar and free trade agreement,” Hays Quarterly Report researchers state.
“From a white collar perspective, we are seeing strong demand for planners, inventory controllers, transport and analysts and warehouse supervisors.
“For blue collar staff, demand is high for strong storepersons with fork tickets as well as reliable truck drivers with metropolitan experience.
“The preference is to recruit permanent staff, but the temporary market is still active.
“Employers also prefer local candidates and are reluctant to engage people from interstate or overseas.
“A lot of employers are also requesting SAP skills.”
The contrast in sentiment compared with the start of the year is marked.
But the keenness of companies to muscle-up with personnel will be tempered by a shortfall in talent, with companies that held on to their better workers through hard times looking to reap the benefit, while those that can pay more appear to be doing so.
“In terms of candidate trends, the top talent often have multiple options,” Hays notes.
“Although the number of applications has increased, candidate calibre has decreased.”
This is particularly acute with demand planners, and, in New South Wales, “manufacturing activity is increasing and we are seeing strong growth in the food and beverage sector”.
It is similar with inventory planners, while logistics coordinators are sought to look after increased exports.
Transport/Supply Chain Analysts are needed as organisations focus on optimising the supply chain and ensuring best value from the network.
Storepersons are needed for temporary roles due to fluctuating requirements but the greatest demand is for candidates with forklift tickets.
Assistant warehouse supervisors are sought in companies that are expanding their sites.
Transport supervisors are also needed however there is a shortage of combined skill set in this area.
There is also constant demand for heavy rigid and heavy combination truck drivers with good metropolitan experience.
“This quarter is always a busy time for the transport industry,” Hays notes.