A CFMEU analysis of Jobs & Skills Australia occupation and internet job advertisements data busts the myth peddled by employer groups that there is a worker shortage which must be addressed through migration.

The vast majority of building and construction-related jobs have an indicative vacancy rate below 1%.

In February, there were just 56 ads for plasters – a profession employing 27,600 people nationally.

There are 30,000 bricklayers and stonemasons employed in Australia, yet only 111 job ads, which indicates a vacancy rate of 0.4%.

Vacancies for plumbers, tilers, fencers, carpenters and joiners, insulation and home improvement installers were all lower than 1%.

CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said:

“We have exposed the blatant lie that Australia is suffering from a tradie shortage that must be fixed through migration.

Source: New figures destroy Australia’s tradie shortage myth – » The Australian Independent Media Network