SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian employment sped past forecasts in December thanks to a surge in part-time jobs, data showed on Thursday, though the jobless rate still ticked higher as more people went looking for work.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed net employment jumped 56,300 in December from November, when they increased by a downwardly revised 28,200. That was well above market forecasts for a 15,000 rise, while annual jobs growth accelerated to a brisk 3.1%.
The jobless rate rose to 4.0%, from 3.9%, matching market expectations. The participation rate edged up 67.1%, from 67.0%, while hours worked climbed 0.5%.
