Australia’s labour market strengthened in October 2025, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate easing to 4.3 per cent after a temporary rise in September, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The rate aligns with levels recorded through June to August, signalling continued labour market stability despite pockets of adjustment.

The number of unemployed people fell by 17,000, while employment expanded by 42,000. More jobseekers moved directly into employment than is typical for October, lifting full-time employment sharply by 55,000. Both women and men contributed to these gains, with female full-time employment rising by 29,000 and male full-time employment by 26,000, ABS said in a press release.

Australia’s unemployment rate fell to 4.3 per cent in October as 42,000 people gained jobs and unemployment dropped by 17,000.
Strong full-time growth, especially among women, outweighed a fall in part-time roles.
Participation held at 67 per cent, while hours worked rose 0.5 per cent.
Underemployment edged down to 5.7 per cent.
Trend unemployment rate stood at 4.4 per cent.

Part-time employment fell by 13,000, driven primarily by a 21,000 drop among women, partly offset by an 8,000 rise among men. The participation rate held steady at 67 per cent overall, although it diverged by gender: male participation increased to 71 per cent, while female participation slipped to 63.1 per cent. The employment-to-population ratio remained stable at 64 per cent.

Hours worked rose by 0.5 per cent—outpacing the rise in employment—indicating stronger labour demand and fewer people working reduced hours. The underemployment rate dropped to 5.7 per cent, down 0.2 percentage points for the month and 0.5 percentage points from a year earlier. Combined with lower unemployment, the underutilisation rate dipped to 10.0 per cent, continuing its steady improvement since 2020.

Trend data reaffirmed this resilience, with trend unemployment holding at 4.4 per cent. Trend unemployment is the jobless rate shown without short-term fluctuations, giving a clearer picture of the labour market’s real direction.

Trend employment grew by 27,000 (0.2 per cent) in October and 1.5 per cent over the year. Monthly hours worked rose by 0.1 per cent in trend terms, slightly lagging employment growth but remaining broadly consistent with long-term patterns. Trend participation edged up to 67 per cent, while the employment-to-population ratio stayed at 64 per cent. The trend underemployment and underutilisation rates were steady at 5.8 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively, added the release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

Skechers is proud to announce its newest brand ambassador: globally celebrated actress, entrepreneur, and fashion icon Sofia Vergara. Known for her signature style and charismatic presence on and off screen, Vergara joins the Skechers family to help shape the future of fashion meets comfort footwear.

Throughout her career she has received five Emmy and five Golden Globe nominations, most recently for Griselda, and in 2025 made history as the first Latina nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series at the Emmys.

Skechers has named actress and entrepreneur Sofía Vergara as its new global brand ambassador.
Known for her style and wide fan reach, she will lead a new campaign highlighting Skechers’ Hands-Free Slip-ins and Glide-Step designs.
Vergara chose the brand for its blend of comfort and fashion, marking a strategic move to strengthen Skechers’ style-driven appeal.

“I don’t do anything unless I believe in it – and I truly believe in Skechers,” said Sofía Vergara. “I’ve been wearing Skechers for over a year now, and they’ve completely changed how I think about sneakers. They’re not just comfortable – they’re chic, stylish, and easy to wear with everything in my closet. That’s what made this partnership feel so natural.”

Skechers first caught Vergara’s attention not through business talks, but in a mall. After knee surgery left her searching for supportive, stylish shoes, she discovered Skechers on her own – purchasing multiple pairs before learning her team had already been in talks with the brand.

Now, as the latest face of Skechers, Vergara will appear in a new global campaign that celebrates style, versatility and comfort – hallmarks of the Skechers brand. The campaign will spotlight Skechers’ iconic Hands-Free Slip-ins Glide-Step styles.

“Sofía embodies everything Skechers stands for – bold, confident, and committed to comfort without compromise,” said Michael Greenberg, President of Skechers. “She brings a fresh energy to our brand, and her passion for great design will shine through in everything we do together.”

With more than 50 million followers and global recognition from Hollywood to Barranquilla, Sofía Vergara adds unparalleled star power to Skechers’ legacy of working with beloved figures who resonate across generations.

This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter – where effortless fashion and everyday comfort meet in one powerful step forward.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)