There's been a slight improvement in confidence among workers, as tax and interest rate cuts, as well as lower petrol prices provide some relief.
The Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence index rose 0.4 points to 121.2 in the September quarter.
A reading above 100 indicates more optimists than pessimists.
The survey was taken before the latest financial turbulence.
A rise in unemployment saw respondents feel less confident about their current job prospects and job security, but fewer people felt things are going to get worse next year.
However, Westpac economist Dominick Stephens says optimism about future job prospects may be misplaced: unemployment is expected to rise significantly next year.
He says it's a case of "you ain't seen nothing yet".
