The changing skill composition of labour demand

摘要: Researchers in both North America and Europe have documented evidence of a pronounced shift the composition labour demand favouring more skilled workers. Similar claims been made with respect to employment Australian market, but these challenged on grounds that there is no general trend towards upskilling. Evidence presented by Cully (1999) led him conclude changes favoured most least - for has become increasingly polarised. In this paper, it argued neither explanations correct. Instead, claimed focusing numbers persons employed misleading when data are adjusted hours worked, experience entirely consistent international evidence. Furthermore, comparisons over time likely be sensitive period chosen such comparisons. The analysis reported here uses start end points appear at similar stages business cycle (1989 2000) hence differential rates growth across occupations less result cyclical influences.