An exploration of labour mobility in mining and construction: who moves and why

Labour mobility is a complex concept because people change jobs for a variety of reasons, in different ways and with different outcomes for their lives and careers. This study explores what motivates people to change jobs and examines the influence of their employer, occupation or industry, and investigates their geographic mobility on either a permanent or temporary basis.

The project also explores the extent to which qualifications or licensing requirements represent a barrier for workers considering mobility, particularly in the mining and construction industries. Combining a broad literature review with a small qualitative analysis capturing the views of employers, labour hire and recruitment firms, this study reflects the diverse range of factors affecting the supply and demand for skills. The study finds that the majority of labour mobility decisions are driven by the personal priorities of the individual, including family commitments.