30 April 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
Sharp falls in hiring intentions says new report
The level of planned hiring across Australia has fallen dramatically over the past year according to
the latest employment outlook report by leading recruitment firm, Kelly Services.
The Kelly Services Employment Outlook and Salary Guide reveals the recruitment intentions of
almost 400 employers and provides salary ranges for selected jobs in key industries across all
states.
According to the report, the number of businesses planning to recruit more staff has fallen from
60 per cent to 30 per cent over the past year. Meanwhile the number of businesses planning to
decrease staff has increased from 5 per cent to 18 per cent. Businesses planning to retain current
staff levels have increased from 35 per cent to 51 per cent.
Kelly Services Managing Director, James Bowmer said the report shows that despite the difficult
economic conditions, many employers are trying to retain their employees in preparation for an
economic recovery.
“Before the global financial crisis, employers were desperate to find skilled employees to fill the
shortages.
“When the market recovers, it is important that employers have the skills needed to meet
growing demand. This report suggests that many employers are putting time and effort into
finding ways to retain their employees during tough times”.
The report finds that half of all employers surveyed had five or more employees leave in the three
months to January. Some 14 per cent had no staff turnover in that period.
When it comes to employee benefits, flexible hours has become the most prominent, followed by
salary sacrifice and study allowance. Company benefits such as bonuses have noticeably
decreased.
The report shows a state-by-state breakdown of the salaries in industries including accounting
and finance; construction and engineering; call centre; IT; human resources and; sales and
marketing.
According to the report, the role of a project engineer in construction will be paid the least in
South Australia and the highest in Western Australia. Those in the inbound call centre industry
have the highest wages in Western Australia and paid the least in New South Wales and
Queensland. An accountant will be the best paid in New South Wales.
To view the Kelly Services Employment Outlook and Salary Guide go to
_________________________________________________________________
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a world leader in human resources solutions headquartered in Troy,
Michigan, offering temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement to clients on a
global basis. Kelly provides employment to more than 750,000 employees annually, with skills including office services,
accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education,
Media contact:
Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications 02 9241 2811, 0412 753 298 bbowden@bowmac.com.au
Note: Please see selected industry examples below, full report can be accessed here.
Kelly Services Employment
Outlook and Salary Guide 2009
Minimum Salary
$,000
Maximum Salary
$,000
Accountant
ACT
63
82
NSW
50
90
NT
45
70
QLD
45
75
SA
46
53
VIC
45
55
WA
55
71
Project Engineer (Construction)
NSW
70
100
NT
85
110
QLD
90
130
SA
65
95
VIC
80
150
WA
100
160
Call Centre representative- Inbound
ACT
41
46
NSW
35
45
NT
38
45
QLD
35
45
SA
38
41
VIC
37
46
WA
40
50
NEWS 
