18:09 AEST Sat Jan 3 2009 The federal government has urged bosses to rethink plans to sack workers amid fears of employment rocketing up in 2009.
Fairfax newspapers published a survey of 21 eminent economists on Saturday, predicting that in 2009 a quarter of a million Australians could lose their jobs and growth would slow to a crawl.
The survey predicted unemployment would hit 6.4 per cent by the end of this year - more than a percentage point above the official Treasury forecast - with some economists predicting it might reach 9 per cent.
Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard said on Saturday the government expected 2009 to be a tough year for Australians and the economy.
"The global financial crisis and looming recession in developed countries around the world is not going to leave this nation untouched when it comes to jobs for Australians," she told reporters.
"My message to employers today would be to think about the long-term when they are contemplating potential job cuts.
"Consider the long-term of their business, their valuable staff and what skills that they bring to their enterprise when they're considering their future employment decisions in 2009."
The acting Prime Minister defended Treasury's more modest forecasts about unemployment and insisted the government was investing in and protecting jobs through its $10.4 economic security statement.
"We've made available $300 million to local government around the country ... we've made available a $6 billion package to support our car industry," Ms Gillard said.
The survey predicted economic growth would slow to 0.7 per cent in 2009
