27 Jan 2012

Job adverts rose 7.7% in December compared to a year ago

12:03 pm on 27 January 2012

The Department of Labour says the number of jobs advertised rose 7.7% in December compared with a year ago, led by demand for skilled workers in the earthquake hit Canterbury region.

But the department's Jobs Online index found seasonally adjusted job ads fell from November to December, indicating employers were cautious about hiring.

It says the trend has been downwards since May, signalling a sluggish labour market.

The Department of Labour forecasts employment growth of 1.3% in the year to March, and 1.6% the year after.