@lashes below are the requirements for claiming partner skills:
•is under 45 years of age
•has competent English
•has an occupation that is on the same skilled occupations list as your nominated occupation
•has been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as having suitable skills for their nominated occupation
•is coming to Australia with you
•is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
based on the above it only requires suitable skills assessment not employment assessment per my understanding.