Australia’s March employment rises 17,900, jobless rate steady at 4.3%

[SYDNEY] Australian employment rose broadly in line with expectations in March as firms hired more full-time workers, while the jobless rate held steady, data showed on Thursday.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed net employment increased 17,900 in March from February, when it rose a revised 49,600. That was mostly in line with market forecasts of a trend-like 20,000 gain.

Full-time jobs jumped 52,500 after a sharp fall in the previous month.

The jobless rate held steady at 4.3 per cent, also in line with forecasts, while the participation rate dipped to 66.8 per cent, from 66.9 per cent. Hours worked rose 0.5 per cent. REUTERS