By Alesha Capone
Werribee and Hoppers Crossing residents are potentially most at risk of job losses because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report.
The Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) at the University of Newcastle has released a report detailing which suburbs and towns across the nation are likely to suffer higher job losses due to the pandemic and resulting economic downturn.
The study, led by Professors William Mitchell and Scott Baum, used Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, an Employment Vulnerability Index and employment statistics to classify suburbs and towns into four categories, from the most high risk to low risk of job losses.
Werribee and Hoppers Crossing were categorised as “medium high risk” – the second-highest ranking – for potential job losses due to the pandemic.
The report stated that most residents of the two suburbs are “quite vulnerable to employment loss if the national economy contracts” because of factors such as median individual incomes and rates of part-time employment.
Laverton, Wyndham Vale, the north of Point Cook and Tarneit were listed as having a “medium low risk job loss community”.
Truganina and the south of Point Cook were classified as having a “low risk job loss community”, which “suggests that residents are well placed to avoid employment loss if the national economy contracts”.
Suburbs in Melbourne’s west listed as high risk for job losses included Delahey, St Albans and Sunshine North.
The report stated that people in casual or part-time positions “will likely see their employment opportunities diminish” due to the pandemic.
Wyndham council recently released its Draft Social and Economic Inclusion Framework – 2020-2023 for public feedback.
Wyndham’s future-focused economy portfolio holder, Cr Walter Villagonzalo, said the framework outlined the work that council is undertaking to ensure local people receive the benefits of economic growth and development.
“Working to create local jobs for local people and stronger tighter-knit communities aids Wyndham’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and a more sustainable and resilient community over the longer-term,” he said.
Details: theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/Social-economic-inclusion-framework
