Retail wreckage: Business numbers fall by more than 2,000 as consumer spending slows
The retail sector shed more businesses on a net basis than any other industry sector last year, exposing a harsh environment for established traders and fresh entrepreneurs alike.
‘Retail recession’: Small businesses respond to “super cautious” shoppers as turnover dips
Australian shoppers are now "super cautious" about their spending habits, one small business operator says, as the effects of long-running inflation and interest rate concerns lead some economists to declare a "retail recession".
From Rage Applying to Grumpy Staying: The boomer boss guide to gen Z work lingo
Confused about what rage applying, grumpy staying and other gen Z work phrases? We have you covered so you don't have to install TikTok.
With inflation at 7.8%, another interest rate rise in February is all but guaranteed
Interest rates are almost certain to rise again in February, after the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures showing inflation hit 7.8% in 2022 – its highest rate in 33 years.
Profits vs wages: ABS data reveals which labour markets are the tightest
Wages are up and profits are down as the unemployment rate hovers at record lows and businesses scour the country, desperate for available workers.
The number of Aussies working in distilleries has exploded by 240% but taxes are limiting growth
Employment in the spirit manufacturing industry is up 240%. Some distillers weigh in on what is still holding the local industry back.
New Xero data shows small business sector sales are booming over the year — but economists say inflation could mask the real damage
The performance of Australia's small business community is improving, new data suggests, but economists have advised that a 'phantom' spending downturn may be hidden in those rosy figures.
Youth unemployment hits 44-year-low, putting retailers on notice ahead of the busy Christmas rush
Australia's youth unemployment rate has fallen to just 7%, new data shows, suggesting businesses reliant on junior staff may find it difficult to build their headcount ahead of the looming Christmas rush.
Fuel, groceries and housing: Where is inflation hitting us hardest?
Current inflation levels in Australia have only been seen once in the past three decades. Where is being hit hardest?
Builders call for support as housing costs rise 9%, while Jim Chalmers prepares to dampen economic expectations
The federal government should keep the Australian Building and Construction Commission in place and compensate building contractors for projects which skyrocket in price, construction industry organisations say.
As millennials catch up to baby boomers in the 2021 Census, businesses must prepare for the changing of the guard
The ABS unveiled the first round of data from the 2021 Census on Tuesday, outlining the major demographic shifts taking place in Australian society.
SMEs bear the brunt of staff shortages, according to ABS
Staffing difficulties are largely because of a lack of job applicants and applicants not having the required skills, new data from the ABS says.
