In November 2025, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the number of employed Australians fell by about 21,000- a sharp reversal after modest gains in previous months. Despite this drop, the official unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 per cent, unchanged from October.

But the picture behind the headline is more nuanced. The loss was driven by a big slump in full-time employment with 57,000 full-time jobs lost. Much of that decline was among men (40,000), though women also saw a fall (16,000). At the same time, part-time employment partially offset the drop: about 35,000 people took part-time work in November (29,000 women, 6,000 men).

Correspondingly, the labour-force participation rate dipped to 66.7% (from 66.9%), and the employment-to-population ratio slid slightly to 63.8%.

Annual job growth has also cooled: total employment rose just 1.3% over the past 12 months, which is slower than Australia’s 2.0% population growth, a signal that job creation isn’t keeping pace with population increases.

Why the Fall?

• A shift from full-time to part-time

The sharp drop in full-time jobs suggests companies are cutting back hours or reducing full-time roles — perhaps reacting to softer demand or preparing for holiday-season slowdowns. The increase in part-time work implies some workers are not leaving the workforce entirely, but taking on reduced-hours roles.

• Labour force contraction- fewer people working or seeking work

Because both employment and unemployment fell, the labour force as a whole shrank. Fewer people are working or actively job-hunting, a sign that some workers may be stepping away from the labour market entirely.

• Slower job growth relative to population increase

With employment growth trailing population growth, that erodes per-capita job opportunities. For new entrants such as young people, recent migrants, etc, that could mean stiffer competition for jobs, or longer wait times for full-time work.

• Soft patch or structural cooling?

Some economists argue this dip could just be a monthly “blip”, especially after previous months of healthy gains.
But others warn it could point to a broader softening: 2025 started with more vigorous labour-market growth, but the slowing trend suggests businesses are being more cautious with hiring.

What This Means for Workers, Employers and Policymakers

For workers- particularly those looking for full-time jobs- this shift could mean reduced opportunities and more competition. Some workers may find themselves pushed into part-time or more precarious employment.

For employers, falling full-time employment may reflect cost pressures, lower demand, or hesitation ahead of economic uncertainty. The shift to part-time could be a way to maintain flexibility without committing to full-time staff.

For policymakers / the economy, slower employment growth relative to population growth could weigh on household income growth, consumer spending, and broader economic demand. If the trend continues, it might prompt renewed focus on incentives for hiring, training, or supporting under-employed workers.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

Next months’ data: One month doesn’t make a trend. If employment bounces back in December or January (after pre-Christmas hiring, seasonal shifts, etc.), this may prove a temporary blip.

Full-time vs part-time balance: Whether part-time gains continue, or reverse, will show if businesses are reshaping work structure or simply pausing hiring.

Youth, recent migrants, and vulnerable workers: Those entering job market now may face tougher conditions; underemployment and labour-market detachment could increase.

Wage growth & working hours: If hours shrink, even stable employment numbers may mask reduced income per worker, a risk for living standards.

Final Thought

The latest figures from the ABS show that the Australian labour market is wobbling- falling employment, shrinking labour force, fewer full-time roles- even as the unemployment rate remains low. It’s a reminder: a low jobless rate doesn’t always mean a strong labour market. For many workers and policymakers, the challenge now is not just maintaining employment, but ensuring it’s full-time, secure, and keeps pace with population growth.

The post ABS Reports 57,000 Full-Time Jobs Lost in November appeared first on Small Business Connections.

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