Garbos in, bankers out

Bankers and travel workers worried about job security may consider rubbish collecting or selling skin care products to men as gloom descends on the employment front.

Other potential losers as job cuts mount include tyre manufacturers, boat builders and - to the dismay of few - real estate agents.

New job openings are likely to become harder to find as the economy teeters on the brink of a recession and employers place new hirings on ice or cull staff numbers.

Glimmers of jobs growth, though, are appearing, according to IBISWorld, a research firm. These include the market for consumer goods touting a ''feel good'' factor for buyers, especially for men in need of a bit of a spruce up (perhaps before that next job interview.)

''The 'manscaping' trend is...growing; with men becoming increasing aware of skin care regimes and products specifically marketed to men will deliver a boost to companies producing male-oriented grooming products,'' IBISWorld said.

''The result will be openings for more cosmetic and toiletry salespeople, as well as laboratory technicians and those involved in the manufacturing side of the business.''

Job losses ahead

Tips on job-hunting are likely to be in demand, as the economy stalls, sending jobless numbers skyward.

On Thursday, labour figures out for December are likely to show a fall of 20,000 jobs, economists predict, nudging the jobless rate up to 4.5%, from 4.4% in November. Most analysts predict that rate to rise to 6% or higher in 2009.

As in many countries, the financial sector has been among the hardest hit by the economic crisis, with ANZ Bank and GE Money among those announcing big staff cuts, with more to come.

''(C)ommercial banks will be forced to cut jobs, with many of the losses to come from middle management as operators attempt to rationalise their hierarchies,'' said IBIS World general manager Robert Bryant in a statement. A number of foreign banks will also exit the market, ''resulting in major job cuts,'' he said.

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