Long-term unemployeds in the area are already feeling the pinch.

Glenroy resident Vicki Knights, who lost her bakery job about a year ago, is worried about her work prospects.

Ms Knights now spends time on Work-for-the-Dole projects, takes training courses and remains on call as a cleaner. Struggling to pay rent and bills, she has been forced to move in with her mother.

"Every single day, I apply for about five to six jobs," she said. "I just feel terrible because I want to get a job but nobody's giving me a chance."

Djerriwarrh Job Futures co-ordinator Maria Nicholas also confirmed the growing difficulty for under-skilled job-seekers.

"The ones that have just lost their job are probably finding it a lot easier to find a job than the long-term unemployed, because they've got recent work history and skills," Ms Nicholas said.

Glenroy-based employment service provider Youth Projects chairperson Melanie Raymond also said her agency had seen an upsurge in the use of its employment services over the past three months.

"We're seeing clients who are doing everything right, and they're getting turned away for work.

"We need to be intervening and keeping students at school or some form of skill-based training in areas of [job] demand."