This report outlines the findings of an online survey of users of the Jobactive service, the main employment service for people who are unemployed, conducted by ACOSS between 7 and 22 July 2018.

This report paints a picture of unemployment and employment services in Australia in 2018. It is based on four complementary pieces of research that have been combined to present a full picture of the main employment service in Australia - jobactive.

This report looks behind the headline unemployment statistics to reveal who is affected, why it’s no easy matter for most unemployed people to secure a job, and the disturbing growth in long-term unemployment. It also look at the chances people on unemployment payments have of getting a job, and the help they receive from jobactive...

The Brotherhood is pleased to make this submission to inform the next iteration of employment services. Our contribution identifies the key factors constraining the current system and proposes a different way forward, underpinned by recommendations for reform.

This research summary brings together the findings from a Brotherhood of St Laurence study exploring how Australia’s jobactive employment services might better assist mature age jobseekers to get work.