6333.0 - Characteristics of Employment, Australia, August 2016 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 02/05/2017   
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MEDIA RELEASE
02 May 2017
Embargoed: 11.30 am (Canberra time)
47/2017
Female weekly earnings rose in 2016

The average weekly earnings for female employees and female owner managers of incorporated enterprises in all jobs was $1,007 in August 2016, a rise of $42 since August 2015, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) as part of the Characteristics of Employment Survey. In comparison, average male weekly earnings remained steady at $1,420.

The Characteristics of Employment Survey collects information on the distribution of weekly earnings, working arrangements, independent contractors, employment found through a labour hire firm or employment agency and trade union membership.

"When considered together, average weekly earnings in all jobs for all employees and owner managers of incorporated enterprises increased by $21, from $1,202 in August 2015 to $1,223 in August 2016," said Jennifer Humphrys, Director of Household Income and Labour Market Statistics at the ABS.

"The August 2016 data showed that the proportion of employees who did not have paid leave entitlements in their main job has remained steady for the past 10 years at 25 per cent."

"There were just over 1 million persons who were independent contractors in August 2016, with 30 per cent of independent contractors working in the construction industry," said Ms Humphrys.

Further details can be found in Characteristics of Employment, Australia, August 2016 (cat. no. 6333.0) available for free download from https://www.abs.gov.au/.

Media note:
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