1 Jul 2013

Job optimism improving, survey finds

2:03 pm on 1 July 2013

Confidence in the employment market is improving though it remains subdued compared with pre-recession standards.

The Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index has risen to 104.2 points in the three months ended June, compared with 100.7 in the March quarter. A score above 100 shows more optimism than pessimism.

It's the fourth quarterly rise for employment confidence.

Westpac says households' job optimism continues to improve but perceived job opportunities and reported wage growth remain low by pre-2009 levels.

Wage expectations eased back for the second quarter in a row.

Employment confidence slipped a little in Canterbury and Auckland and rose everywhere else.