Next generation of employment services discussion paper to help small businesses find the right job candidate

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell today welcomed the release of a report on the future of employment services by Minister Kelly O’Dwyer. The report was compiled by an independent Employment Services Expert Panel.

“Small business is a driver of employment and economic development; employing over half of all workers in Australia and creating a substantial proportion of new jobs,” Ms Carnell said.

“This report contains strategies to deliver tailored employment services that Australians expect and need in a changing labour market.

“We are particularly supportive of the greater use of advanced online technologies to filter and shortlist a bigger pool of candidates, to ensure employers and job-seekers are better aligned.

“This digital system would better match job-seekers to vacancies, deliver tailored upskilling opportunities and help employers find the right candidates faster.

“Using digital technology will also free up resources so more time can be spent with the long-term unemployed, to help them get back into the work force.

“We also support the network of enhanced service providers, which would deliver personalised recruitment services to employers, and support them to find and retain the right people for their business.

“The current system doesn’t quite meet the needs of small businesses, so an improved online system will go a long way to doing just that and ensuring Australia’s economic engine room is able to grow and employ.”

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