The Recent trends for displaced workers in Australia - Changing profiles and outcomes for displaced workers from 2015 to 2025 report fills key evidence gaps by showing how worker displacement in Australia has changed over the past decade, who is most affected and which workers have stronger and weaker outcomes afterwards. This stocktake of displacement will help policymakers and industry better target supports and monitor future trends.
Key findings include:
- Worker displacement declined between 2015 and 2025, alongside a strengthening labour market.
- Displacement became less concentrated in mining, manufacturing and construction and has shifted towards professional and managerial occupations.
- Major metropolitan areas accounted for a growing share of displacement but these larger labour markets offer broader re-employment and career transition opportunities
- Post-displacement outcomes have improved but remain uneven and earnings losses persist.
- Insolvency-related displacement is increasing and exposing potential gaps in protection
What is a ‘displaced worker’?
A displaced worker is someone who loses their job involuntarily generally due to negative economic events, stress or adjustment. This may happen because a business closes, there is no longer enough work, or due to technological changes.
It does not include people who choose to leave a job for personal or career reasons, such as wanting a change, taking on caring responsibilities, retiring or being dissatisfied with the work. These transitions are part of a healthier dynamic labour market.
For more detailed information, download the full report and explore some of the data used in Parts 2 and 3 of the report on occupational displacement rates and outcomes in the spreadsheets.