Job Ads Decline in February, Tech Sector Hit Hard Amid Concerns Over Rising Unemployment

Job ads index dropped 2.8% from Jan to Feb, now 12.4% lower than last year (but still 37.8% above pre-pandemic)
Raises concerns unemployment rate could rise further, after passing 4% recently for first time in 2 years
Tech sector led declines in job listings, while healthcare and education posted more ads (nurses, teachers shortage)
Job ad declines concentrated in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia
Over past year, tech sector and food/personal care had biggest ad declines; education and healthcare best performers