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2023 Employment Insights from PN Personnel

Posted On Jan 26, 2023 

Labour Shortage, Recession, Retention, Inflation, Unemployment. These are all key terms which you will hear about in 2023.


It is predicted the first part of 2023 will be tough, with unemployment anticipated to rise as businesses tighten their belts. Nationally 73% of businesses expect economic conditions to deteriorate over the next 12 months. (*NZIER).


In an uncertain economic climate, the record low unemployment rate of 3.3% nationally and 2.8% (Manawatu) is not expected to be sustained. *


In the Manawatu many large projects such as the Te Ahu a Turanga/Manawatu-Tararua Highway, the Tutitea WindFarm and the Te Utanganui distribution hub are all expected to ease the pain. The City Council also has a number of projects consented to be completed throughout Palmerston North.


These projects all work to bolster unemployment and drive growth and investment in the region.


So what can we expect this year?


Job Advertising will continue to decline

The RCSA recently reported job listings had dropped 26.7% in December compared to the previous year.


This includes job listings for both permanent and temporary work.


Most affected have been jobs in the following sectors:

  • Professional and management
  • Public Administration
  • Accommodation
  • Food services
  • Technology professionals
  • Construction


In some sectors businesses are foregoing advertising in light of the labour shortage. Our team of recruiters recognise jobs most in demand, and job seekers with the ability to best fill this need.


For Employers and Job Seekers, when you partner with our locally established recruitment agency, you benefit from our well-connected team who are able to source quality people identified by their skills and abilities to meet your businesses needs.   


Labour in demand
We continue to see demand for a wide range of skilled and unskilled positions throughout the Manawatu.


At PN Personnel we see high demand for workers in:

  • Construction/Trades
  • Administration
  • Accounting and Finance


We have work available now across all sectors, with permanent and temporary options available.


Positives for 2023

With immigration increasing, gradually more workers are entering NZ to ease the burden on businesses. Whilst this is still far from solving labour shortages, the continual flow of overseas workers in 2023 will continue to improve this situation.


PN Personnel’s recruitment team continue to partner with talented individuals looking for work, from available temporary staff to motivated permanent team members. With our extensive local knowledge and contacts we are well-placed to guide and assist you through your next recruitment.


If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact me.


*Sources: MBIE, CEDA, RCSA, NZIER

Matt Smout

Having extensive experience as an end to end recruiter, account manager, people leader and in business development – Matt has excellent knowledge of the 360-degree recruitment process and how to partner to understand your business and add real value.



Passionate about what he does Matt gets a real buzz from getting to know his client’s business and assisting their growth by providing tailored talent solutions.


Phone 06 280 2405 Mobile 027 607 2030 Email 


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