Jobs growth tipped for meat processing industry

As the Australian economy transitions away from resources and towards service-based industries, IBISWorld has identified meat processing as one of the industries anticipated to offer the fastest growth in employment.

Over the next five years, the meat processing industry is expected to expand as operators benefit from free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea and demand for Australian beef increases strongly. Revenue is expected to grow by 8.4% annualised over the five years to 2015–16, which will encourage processors to expand production to meet the growing demand for Australian beef from nearby Asian nations. Industry expansion will provide opportunities for employment as operators will require additional staff to meet demand.

This trend is expected to continue over the next five years as IBISWorld forecasts industry employment to grow at an annualised 2.9% over the five years to 2020–21. Although overall employment has grown, increased automation in the industry has meant that individual operators have required fewer staff, which has reduced the number of employees per establishment over the past five years. However, overall employment growth in the industry is expected to continue, driven by the free trade agreements, which will support industry exports and revenue growth.

The other industries highlighted in the IBISWorld special report as offering strong potential for employment growth include clothing retailing, physiotherapy services, oil and gas extraction, private schools and government schools.