ITWire

"December and January are always volatile months in the job market, so we interpret this data cautiously," said Robert Olivier, director of the Olivier Group.

"But the signs are clear, new jobs are being advertised. These results suggest employers remained confident, despite widespread fears of another interest rate rise," he said.

The growth in demand had already led to employers in the resources sector to start talking about systemic shortages that constrain capacity.

Employers in the resources sector are already talking of systemic shortages that constrain capacity. The Federal Government responded this week by redefining the requirements of the skilled migration program, and there is also talk of industrial action and a wages break out.