The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released information on the incidence and nature of impacts due to COVID-19, as experienced by businesses operating in Australia.
It provides insights into the impacts and sentiments of businesses operating in Australia under the changing social and economic environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data was collected through a telephone based business survey between 10 September and 16 September 2020 and includes information on industries (including mining) as classified according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification, ANZSIC.
Key statistics include:
- Almost one third of businesses expect modifications put in place to manage the impacts of COVID-19 will be kept long-term
- Two in five employing businesses currently have staff teleworking
- One in three employing businesses expect staff hours to increase when conditions stabilise
The results include modifications to business operations; teleworking and expected changes to working hours and business revenue, operating expenses and employment, including:
- 64% of businesses are operating with modifications due to COVID-19.
- 31% of businesses expect to keep modifications in place long-term.
- Most common modifications to be kept long-term are: Changes to the way products or services are provided (20%); Changes in staff roles or duties (15%); Changes to types and range of products and services offered (11%).
- 28% of employing businesses had staff teleworking before COVID-19, compared with 43% of employing businesses that have staff teleworking currently.
- Large businesses are twice as likely to have staff teleworking compared to small businesses (80% compared to 42%).
- Once restrictions are lifted and conditions stabilise, 29% of employing businesses expected staff to continue teleworking and 34% expect staff hours to increase.
- Industries most likely to increase staff hours: Accommodation and food services (58%); Retail trade (44%); Arts and recreation services (44%).
The following graphs indicate how the mining industry measures up compared to other industries for teleworking and hours worked.
