Headline indicator 11.1 Employment
Measure 11.1.1: Proportion of people in employment
11.1.1 Rationale
The employment to population ratio is a standard employment measure, which measures the proportion of all population in work, regardless of age, retirement, and intention to work.
11.1.1 Results
| Year | People with disability | People without | Relative inequality |
|---|---|---|---|
2018 | 40.1% | 77.7% | 0.52 |
2022 | 45.8% | 78.8% | 0.58 |
11.1.1 Description of results
In 2018, the proportion of people with disability in employment was 40.1% By 2022 this had increased for people with disability to 45.8%.
Compared to people without disability, in 2018 people with disability were 0.52 times less likely to be employed. By 2022 this inequality had closed slightly so that people with disability were 0.58 times less likely to be employed than people without disability.
This data shows the inequality in employment between people with and without disability has narrowed slightly. However, the proportion of people with disability in employment is substantially lower than for people without disability.
11.1.1 Definition
Each measure is estimated separately for people with and without disability where data is available.
- Denominator: All people aged 15+ years
- Numerator: People in employment
11.1.1 Data source
Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
11.1.1 Data availability
Baseline year: 2018
Frequency: Annual
11.1.1 Technical note
This measure is similar to the ‘employment to population ratio’ calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It should be interpretated with caution, since its denominator is based on the entire population – including those who no longer wish or have intention to work (for example, those who retired).
Measure 11.1.2: Proportion of people in the labour force
11.1.2 Rationale
Labour force participation is a standard employment measure. Labour force participation can be associated with increased mental and physical health and greater social participation.
11.1.2 Results
| Year | People with disability | People without disability | Relative inequality |
|---|---|---|---|
2018 | 43.4% | 81.0% | 0.54 |
2022 | 48.4% | 80.7% | 0.60 |
11.1.2 Description of results
In 2018, the proportion of people with disability in the labour force was 43.4%. By 2022, this had increased for people with disability to 48.4%.
Compared to people without disability, in 2018 people with disability were 0.54 times less likely to be in the labour force. By 2022 this inequality had closed slightly so that people with disability were 0.6 times less likely to be in the labour force than people without disability.
This data shows the inequality in labour force participation between people with and without disability has narrowed slightly. However, the proportion of people with disability in the labour force is substantially lower than for people without disability.
11.1.2 Definition
Each measure is estimated separately for people with and without disability where data is available.
- Denominator: All people aged 15+ years
- Numerator: People in the labour force
11.1.2 Data source
Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
11.1.2 Data availability
Baseline year: 2018
Frequency: Annual
11.1.2 Technical note
This measure is similar to the ‘participation rate’ calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. People in the labour force are those who are a) employed or b) not employed, but actively looking for work and available to start work.
Measure 11.1.3: Proportion of people who are unemployed
11.1.3 Rationale
The unemployment rate is a standard measure. Unemployment is associated with poorer health and socioeconomic outcomes.
11.1.3 Results
| Year | People with disability | People without disability | Relative inequality |
|---|---|---|---|
2018 | 5.5% | 4.6% | 1.22 |
2022 | 5.6% | 2.3% | 2.45 |
11.1.3 Description of results
In 2018, 5.5% of people with disability who were in the labour force were unemployed. In 2022, the proportion remained stable for people with disability, with 5.6% of people with disability in the labour force being unemployed.
In comparison to people without disability, people with disability were 1.2 times more likely to be unemployed than people without disability, increasing to 2.45 times as likely in 2022. This increase in inequality occurred as the proportion of people without disability who were unemployed fell from 4.6% to 2.3%.
This shows that there is a gap in the unemployment rate between people with and without disability, and this inequality widened between 2018 and 2022.
11.1.3 Definition
Each measure is estimated separately for people with and without disability where data is available.
- Denominator: People in the labour force aged 15+ years
- Numerator: Unemployed people
11.1.3 Data source
Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
11.1.3 Data availability
Baseline year: 2018
Frequency: Annual
11.1.3 Technical note
Unemployment reflects individuals who are not currently employed, are actively looking for work, and are available to start work. This is a standard way of measuring unemployment.
Headline indicator 11.2: Job quality
Measure 11.2.1: Proportion of people satisfied with their jobs and work
11.2.1 Rationale
Satisfaction with one’s job and work hours act as a proxy for whether a job is a suitable fit for an individual. Poorer quality employment and underemployment are associated with poorer health, decreased life satisfaction, and financial stress.
11.2.1 Results
| Year | People with disability | People without disability | Relative inequality |
|---|---|---|---|
2018 | 43.0% | 46.9% | 0.92 |
2022 | 46.8% | 49.0% | 0.96 |
11.2.1 Description of results
In 2018, the proportion of people with disability who were employed and satisfied with their jobs and work hours was 43.0% for people with disability. By 2022, employment and job satisfaction had increased for people with disability to 46.8%.
Compared to people without disability, people with disability were 0.92 times less likely to be satisfied with their jobs and work hours in 2018, and 0.96 less likely in 2022.
This data show that people’s employment and satisfaction with their jobs and hours has increased between 2018 and 2022, and that while there is still a gap between people with and without disability, it has closed slightly.
11.2.1 Definition
Each measure is estimated separately for people with and without disability where data is available.
- Denominator: Employed people aged 15+ years
- Numerator: People who are satisfied with their jobs and work hours
11.2.1 Data source
Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
11.2.1 Data availability
Baseline year: 2018
Frequency: Annual
11.2.1 Technical note
This is a composite measure. Based on all employed people, it is considered positive for individuals who report being satisfied with both their job and their number of work hours. The inclusion of work hours accounts for underemployment, where people work fewer hours than they would like.
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