Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly hit a five-year high of 4.7% following a loss of nearly 40,000 jobs, confounding market forecasts.

Despite the severe drop in part-time roles, full-time positions grew, leaving businesses in sectors like hospitality so desperate for casual staff that some are offering free food just to get job interviews.

Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly hit a five-year high of 4.7% following a loss of nearly 40,000 jobs, confounding market forecasts.
Despite the severe drop in part-time roles, full-time positions grew, leaving businesses in sectors like hospitality so desperate for casual staff that some are offering free food just to get job interviews.

If it's happening in Brisbane, you'll hear about it first on 4BC Breakfast.

If it's happening in Brisbane, you'll hear about it first on 4BC Breakfast.