ABS reports job-search difficulties in 2025–26 labour participation survey
New Australian survey results identify competition for jobs and missing skills among reported barriers to finding work.
What the record says
ABS’s October 28 release says 82% of people who wanted a job, were looking for work and could start within four weeks reported difficulty getting one.
About 22% cited too many applicants as their main difficulty; about 16% cited insufficient training, qualifications or experience. The results cover the 2025–26 financial year and describe respondents’ reported barriers.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read ABS’s release for population definitions and other findings.
Limits and what is not established
These shares do not describe all Australians and are not the monthly unemployment rate.
Sources checked October 28, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
Australian Bureau of Statistics: original information