BUNBURY’S unemployment rate is growing with 134 more people without a job compared to this time last year.
Bunbury-Wellington Small Business Centre chief executive Fiona Fitzgerald has attributed the high rate of unemployment to Bunbury businesses downsizing and cutting staff to save costs in tough times.
“A lot of businesses are going back to being a sole trader in order to survive,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Businesses are moving towards automated systems with less human interference, which affects employee numbers.
“If we say businesses are cyclic and we are just in a downturn then that is an optimistic point of view, I think we are seeing something that we haven’t seen before.”
The latest Small Labour Market report showed 6.1 per cent of Bunbury’s population is currently unemployed.
This is in comparison to Busselton which has an unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent, Capel (3.3 per cent) and Dardanup (2.6 per cent).
Bunbury Chamber of Commerce President David Kerr said within the small business community there was historically a high level of churn, particularly in the first 12 months of a business operating.
“[The first 12 months is] the real test because people sometimes have romantic ideas about business,” Mr Kerr said.
He said people started to panic when they saw vacant stores, but the ongoing cycle should see them gradually fill up again.
Mr Kerr believes the CBD needs to become a more vibrant and attractive place, including a high density resident population.
Citygate Properties managing director Geoff Prosser said developing a high resident population in the CBD would bring more businesses to the area and create more jobs.
“By having more people living in the CBD it would reduce anti-social behaviour and revitalise the town,” Mr Prosser said.
Ms Fitzgerald said the good news for employers was they had a range of highly qualified people to choose from, but warned employees not to be too fussy when it comes to finding work.
“People looking for work will need to be flexible and have lower salary expectations,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
She also said in order to support small businesses and keep people in work, the community needs to shop local, and businesses need to maintain a high level of service.
Do you have a suggestion on how to lower the unemployment rate and revitalise Bunbury businesses? Email chloerissa.eadie@fairfaxmedia.com.au
