Why you've got a spring in your step

Prime Minister John Howard has claimed that IR laws contributed significantly to the latest low unemployment figures.

"It can fairly be asserted that the removal of the unfair dismissal laws has made a very positive contribution to a reduction in unemployment.”

“Pigs might fly,” was Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd’s response when asked for his thoughts on Howard's claim.

Rudd said that the reduction in the unemployment rate was due to the mining boon in the economy.

Many remain sceptical of unemployment figures, however, believing them to be grossly misleading.

Under the current (ABS) definition, those who work for one hour in any given week are counted as employed, regardless of whether or not that work is continuous.

unemployment figures WorkChoices John Howard Kevin Rudd