NDS has released the results of the most recent Workforce Census data collection for the period July to December 2019.

Workforce Census documents key workforce metrics, including rates of casual and part-time employment, turnover, and working hours. Each round of data collection also includes one-off ‘spotlight’ topics, and in this instance the questions related to workers’ Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait origin.

With a record 284 organisations contributing metadata covering over 51,000 workers nationally, this latest data collection underlines the importance of Workforce Census as a unique and valuable tool for the Disability Sector

The results show, in this period before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, some positive signs of a sector starting to consolidate after the comparative volatility of the NDIS roll-out. This was evidenced by shifts from part-time to full-time employment, from casual to permanent employment, as well as an increase in the average number of hours worked by casuals.

This NDS Workforce Census December 2019 Snapshot infographic contains a high-level summary of the data.

This data collection will serve as a valuable benchmark once the current crisis has passed. NDS will use the data in our advocacy, not least for pricing that supports high-quality jobs and allows the sector to retain a skilled and experienced workforce.

Participating organisations that contribute data to NDS Workforce Census will receive unique insights to how their workforce compares to national trends in the form of a benchmark report in the coming weeks.

The next data collection, for the period ending 30 June 2020, will take place in September. Organisations can express interest to sign up via NDS's Workforce Registration page.