WA businesses remain optimistic heading into a post-JobKeeper economic landscape, but rising skills shortages are a top concern, according to the latest CCIWA Business Confidence Survey.

 

The quarterly report found 54 per cent of WA businesses were struggling to fill at least one skilled occupation, with jobs like drillers, labourers, machinists, engineers and technicians in top demand. 

The sectors with the biggest need for skilled staff were food services (77 per cent), wholesale trade (75 per cent) and construction (70 per cent).

 

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, three in five WA businesses said they were optimistic about the economy over the next 12 months.

And while the Federal Government’s JobKeeper scheme ended on March 28, just 10 per cent of WA businesses expect to shed jobs next quarter compared to 45 per cent that said they plan to grow staff numbers. 

CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey said to address skills shortages there needed to be an appropriate role for skilled migration, and fewer barriers to women’s participation in the workforce. 

Read the full WA CCIWA Business Confidence Survey and our response.