Job ads point to easing in labour market

Pressure in the labour marketed eased slightly last month, if the situations vacant columns are anything to go by.

ANZ's job ads indicator recorded a drop of 0.3 per cent in newspaper advertisements, adjusted for seasonal effects, the fourth monthly fall this year.

Job ads last month were 5.5 per cent below the level in June last year.

Regionally, the results were mixed, with Manawatu, Auckland and Canterbury dipping, while Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Otago posted solid gains.

In Auckland, the decline was more marked, down 0.9 per cent to be 16 per cent below the level a year ago.

Internet advertising was up 0.1 per cent for the month and 43.6 per cent for the year.

Brian Fallow and NZPA