The 2020 Christmas period could see a boost in employment opportunities for thousands of Australians currently struggling to find work.
With December only one month away, thousands of Australians are expected begin their search for casual jobs over the festive period.
Research conducted by employment group Indeed says there has already been a 50 per cent increase in the number of jobs available for casuals this year.
"This year there was an understandable delay in the hiring of casual workers for the Christmas shopping season due to the uncertainty that retailers would be able to open at all," Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra told nine.com.au.
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"Retailers need to make Christmas work – they can't afford to not hire staff for that reason. So, we believe that casual hiring will remain robust this year, despite all the headwinds faced by the retail industry in 2020."
While opportunities for casual employment may be rising, the job market remains a challenging and competitive space for Aussies during the COVID-19 recession.
"Hiring is stabilising in Australia as movement restrictions relax, however it will likely take some time before we get back to the levels of hiring growth we saw before the pandemic hit," Talent Solutions APAC senior director Adam Gregory told nine.com.au.
Australians looking for work amid the COVID-19 recession are competing with as many as 106 other jobseekers for every single entry-level role in the country.
Analysis by Anglicare Australia found the overwhelming demand for these jobs is seeing those with no or limited experience being left behind despite a willingness to work.
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According to ABS data, 1.63 million Australians are classed as "underemployed", or working less hours than they would like.
Retailers are hopeful the federal government's JobMaker supplement will help businesses take on more casual workers over the critical Christmas period.
Under JobMaker, employers will be able to claim $200 per week for new employees aged between 16 and 29 years and an additional $100 per week for those aged 30 to 35.
"We are cautiously optimistic about this Christmas shopping season. Despite the fact that we have had some choppy consumer spending over the past few months, we are still as a nation, seeing retail volumes about 5 per cent higher than last year," Mr Zahra said.
Businesses are under added pressure this year to make up for losses throughout the year as well as ensuring coronavirus measures are adhered to while people shop.
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"Retailers make up to two thirds of their profits in the Christmas period, so it is the most important time all year round," Mr Zahra said.
"Because of the extra demand during the Christmas shopping season, it is critical for retail businesses big and small, to bolster their service levels to deal with the extra demand.
He said this will be particularly important in Victoria where businesses which have been closed for months prepare to reopen this week.
All retail stores, shopping centres, food courts and beauty and personal services will be allowed to reopen in metropolitan Melbourne from Wednesday.
"In Victoria, extra staff will be needed to quickly prepare and get staff up to speed for a rapid retail restart," Mr Zahra said.
"A COVID-safe Christmas will require more planning for us all," he said.
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