Loss of skilled jobs slowing

Australian job losses in the skilled market are slowing, thanks to the effect of the federal government's fiscal stimulus packages, a new survey shows.

The Clarius skills index declined by 0.6 per cent in the third quarter to 98.2 points, from 98.8 points in the second quarter.

It was also 4.7 per cent lower from 103 points in the same quarter a year ago.

On a quarterly basis, the index is now at its lowest since 2001 when it fell to 97.6 points.

Clarius Group executive manager Kym Quick said the result indicated the Government's stimulus was starting to have some effect in the professional jobs market.

"But our feedback is that companies are still cautious," he said.

The index, which measures underlying demand and supply of skilled labour, showed there was a surplus across 20 skilled occupations of about 45,000 in the quarter, up from 37,000 in the June quarter.

Overall, there were an estimated 122,100 unemployed in skilled occupations, up from 76,800 previously.

- AAP