Aged Care Insite Australia's number one aged care news source
Specialist nurses are in high demand.
Despite job vacancies nationwide falling in September, health care professionals remain in demand.
Job agency IPA Recruitment said the number of job vacancies fell 5.7 per cent in September, following a steady August.
IPA CEO Tricia Phillips said the drop in vacancies came as consumers backed away from retailers out of fear the cash rate will climb before the end of the year.
"An expected interest rate rise would cut disposable income and be challenging for a sector that has been discounting all year," she said in a statement.
"It is the flow on impact on support industries transport, logistics and supply chain that sees the greatest demand during the festive season.
"Tourism remains weak. Both international inbound and domestic tourism have taken a big hit, with destinations like Cairns and Gold Coast really hurting. The strengthening dollar will not help."
Exporters have found it particularly tough in recent weeks, with the Australian dollar currently hovering at a 26 month high near 98 US cents.
Philips said the mining and Government sectors were still hiring, with a number of Commonwealth Government departments holding bigger-than-usual graduate recruitment drives this year.
The survey also showed health care professionals remained in high demand, with orders for specialist nurses and allied professionals radiographers, radiologists and sonographers "especially strong".
"And we're now finding it tougher to source generalist nurses," Phillips said.
"Recruiting overseas medical staff continues to assist local efforts. Fortunately, Australia is an attractive destination for health workers."
Do you have an idea for a story?Email [email protected]
Get the news delivered straight to your inbox
Receive the top stories in our weekly newsletter Sign up now