Business association ‘concerned’ as winter wave hits

Businesses are bracing for a winter surge in COVID-19 and influenza cases, which will exacerbate the worst labour crisis in almost 50 years.

CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar, says the labour shortage is the “most severe” challenge facing businesses.

“There are nearly half a million vacancies out there in the economy which businesses are struggling to fill,” he told Stephen Quartermain and Elise Elliott, filling in for Ross and Russel.

“We have concerns. We are seeing COVID case numbers rising again, the health authorities are starting to sort of sound a few alarm bells about that, and it’s right at the height of the flu season, so it’s one thing on top of the other at the moment.”

Mr McKellar said staff shortages are a “worldwide phenomena” but Australia has been hit particularly hard.

“Australia is probably at the worse end of it.”

Press PLAY below to hear about the other serious challenges businesses are facing