The number of jobs advertised in Australia in December rose by the highest level in 31 months in what is further good news for people hoping to move to Australia to start a new life.

The figures came from a survey carried out by the Australia and New Zealand Banking group. They showed that job ads were up 19.1 per cent from their lowest point in July 2009, while the number of ads placed in major newspapers in large cities were up 11.6 per cent and by 4.8 per cent on the number placed in December 2008.

Meanwhile, the job market in the UK remains very slow and many families and young professionals have decided that living in Australia is a far more attractive option with its strong job market, great environment, low cost of living and warm climate.

For those looking to apply for an Australian work visa, the news that the labour market is strong and the economy Down Under is also recovering has been welcomed. There are also now more signs indicating that the Reserve Bank of Australian may be preparing to increase interest rates in February.

The strong job advertisement figures have also been welcomed by economists including Scott Haslem at UBS who says, “this was another very strong result, suggesting renewed hiring vigour in the labour market.”