7 May 2009

Jobless rate falls in Australia

1:55 pm on 7 May 2009

Official data shows the jobless rate in Australia has unexpectedly dropped to 5.4% in April from 5.7% in March.

Economists had expected a rise to 5.9%.

The number of people employed in April also rose by a unexpectedly strong 27,300, seasonally adjusted. economists had predicted a decline of 25,000.

The number of full-time workers surged by 49,100. The number of people in part-time employment fell by 21,800.