Aussie small businesses with less than 20 workers struggling to keep staff, new data finds [Video]

Australian small businesses are still struggling to recruit and retain staff, according to new figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

While the number of Aussies employed at large and medium-sized businesses grew in the 12 months to September last year, small business owners with 20 workers or less are doing it tough.

The amount of people working for small businesses, including cafes, bars and restaurants, dropped by 8.1 per cent in that period.

It’s sadly familiar territory for the owners of Brisbane coffee shop Corner Store Cafe.

Owner Matthew O’Brien told 9News he’s not seeing jobseekers apply for roles at his establishment.

“Less candidates, less options,” he said.

“It’s just frustrating because you have to worker harder and longer to achieve the same results.”

Meanwhile, organisations with 20 to 199 employees enjoyed a bump of 7.1 per cent, while the amount of people working …