This perception of Australia’s economic wellbeing is specific to certain industr
It’s time for the usual movement of people back to summer Down Under from wintry UK, but those at the employment coalface say economic considerations are also playing a role this year.
Opportunity knocks?
Hays GlobaLink manager Rachel Baldy, whose specialist team assists those wanting to make the move from the UK to Australia, has found the state of the Australian economy has played a part, especially over the past 12 to 18 months, for those heading home.
“It fared better than some other developed countries like the UK, so a lot of people have said perhaps it’s a safer option,” she says.
Baldy is quick to stress, however, that this perception of Australia’s economic wellbeing is specific to certain industries.
Which industries?
According to Baldy, in the accountancy and finance arena there’s been a demand for cost accountants, financial and commercial analysts and internal auditors for the commercial sector, as well as supervisors and managers within the taxation and business services area.
In the construction and property sector, design and construction engineers are wanted. “They are the people we are really trying to get in touch with here in the UK,” she says.
In addition, the Australian public sector has been recruiting project managers for schools, hospitals and other infrastructure projects.
Oil and gas is also a growth area for jobs in Australia.
“A major area for us is Western Australia. From what we’re hearing there will hopefully be some big projects happening there [in the future] and also, to a lesser degree, on the infrastructure side in Brisbane.”
Will I get paid less In Australia?
Probably yes, says Baldy. “If you’ve worked in the London market, salaries tend to be quite disappointing when you head back Down Under, particularly if you move from London to Adelaide or Brisbane or Canberra.”
The financial shock is likely to be even more pronounced if you’re coming from the financial services sector or IT, which attract very good money in London. Sydney and Melbourne are still paying the highest salaries, but those pay packets aren’t climbing at pre-recession levels.
“They certainly haven’t [plummeted] but they have levelled to a more realistic salary,” Baldy says.
