Workers’ compensation case managers and travel claims consultants are in high demand as Australia’s job market evolves, according to recruitment company Hays’ quarterly report.

Hays Insurance Director Jane McNeill says more jobs are being created than lost and “there is still tempered confidence in the market and in a number of sectors”.

“The gloss has gone off the resources and mining sector, and we are moving away from a two-speed economy to a system of micro-economies that are creating pockets of employment opportunities – even in the most challenged sectors,” she said.

Skilled workers’ compensation candidates are being lured to the life insurance sector by better salaries and opportunities, while the European summer is driving high demand for travel claims consultants, the report shows.

Claims assessors and risk and compliance advisers are also highly sought after in the life sector.

Employers have high expectations and will only offer jobs to “top-tier” candidates, Ms McNeill says.