Australia’s full-time employment market saw a marked reversal in February 2026, with the number of full-time jobs declining by 30.5K, according to the latest data updated on 19 March 2026. This downturn follows a strong performance in January 2026, when full-time employment had increased by 50.5K.
The swing from robust job creation to a notable contraction in just one month highlights emerging volatility in Australia’s labor dynamics. While the January figures suggested resilience in full-time hiring, the February pullback may prompt closer scrutiny from policymakers, businesses, and investors watching for signs of softening in the broader economy.