Highlights
- 594,300 people lost their jobs between March and April
- Jobs of 2.7 million people have been affected due to COVID-19
Rahul Kumar* worked as Technical Specialist in the construction sector in Melbourne.
“One day, I was called in by my manager and was handed down two weeks’ notice,” Mr Kumar told SBS Hindi.
“It came as a blow as not very long ago, I was told that the company was pleased with my performance. They were preparing paperwork to make me permanent; instead, I was made redundant,” Mr Kumar says.
It has been a roller coaster since that day.
With two kids, an aged parent and wife with a part-time job, Mr Kumar is aware he needs to find another job and fast.
“As Indians, we are taught to save. I have savings to fall back on, but I can’t rely on my savings for more than six months. I need to find work. The clock is ticking,” he says.
Mr Kumar started his job hunt the day he was given notice.
Aware of the impact COVID-19 has had on the economy, Mr Kumar has lowered his salary expectations.
“I started looking the day I was given notice. I am also aware of the current job market scene, so I have lowered my expectations but not to the extent of undervaluing myself. I was in a contract-role which are generally paid more than permanent roles. So, I have adjusted my expectations accordingly,” he says.
The job loss has also had an impact on mental health but he says he is doing his best to stay positive.
Las barreras para migrantes temporales que buscan trabajo en medio de la pandemia. Source: Getty Images/JGI/Tom Grill
“I have two kids who are learning from home. Had this not happened, I would have never learnt Italian. I can say colours and numbers in Italian now,” he chuckles.
“I spend time with them, I drive my wife to and fro to work and am still looking for work.
“The good thing is I have noticed a changed in the last week. I have been getting calls and their tone is more hopeful and sounds more optimistic. Looks like companies will soon start hiring people,” he says.
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Ankita Shah is just as hopeful as she hunts for a new job.
Ms Shah who worked as a bookkeeper with an accounting firm in Melbourne was made redundant when her client withdrew their business.
"I was handling a cafe's account for my accounting firm. Cafes are really hit hard, and they were looking to cut costs. So they moved bookkeeping in-house. That left me jobless," Ms Shah told SBS Hindi.
It has been two months since she lost her job.
Like Mr Kumar, Ms Shah too has lowered her expectations to find work in the COVID-19 affected job market.
"I was very specific earlier about what I wanted to do - which was bookkeeping. But now I am open to applying for jobs which include admin. I am also not fussed about the number of hours," she says.
She is optimistic and hopeful that easing of restrictions across Australia will lead to some job opportunities.
"I am sure something will come up."
'2.7 million people affected by job loss or reduced hours': ABS
Close to 600,000 Australians lost their jobs between March and April due to the impact of COVID-19.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that a combined group of 2.7 million people were affected by either job loss or having their hours reduced.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was heartbreaking to see so many Australians out of work and added it was important people support each other and seek hope in the prospect of a recovery.
People queueing outside the Centrelink office last month. Source: AAP
"Almost 600,000 Australians losing work can disappoint that hope, it can break hearts," he told reporters on Thursday.
"But it's important as a country that we stand firm and stand together."
However, Mr Morrison said Australia was well placed to claw its way out of the doldrums.
"Despite Australians hurting today, they can look forward knowing on the basis of our national character, ingenuity and resolution, that we will see those better days."
The rise in the unemployment rate to 6.2 per cent- from 5.2 per cent in March - reflects the full monthly impact of strict social distancing measures imposed in late-March which led to widespread business closures.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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*Name changed to protect identity.
