Rising cost-of-living pressures has left a growing number of Australians too poor to get a job.

Nicole Dwyer, chief executive at Workskil Australia, said it did sound “counter intuitive” given the number of jobs available, but the problem was real.

“We do have a cohort in Australia who have been on welfare for some time, who are really struggling with the cost of living pressures to connect with employers,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear what she means