Unemployment

The lift in job advertising could mean unemployment falling to about 5.5% by the end of the year, ANZ economist Steve Edwards said yesterday.

The number of people facing more than six months without a job in the South has more than doubled since 2009.

Employment data released yesterday, showing growth in employment and a slight decline in unemployment, is a reflection of New Zealand's strengthening economy, economists say.

New Zealand's unemployment rate was likely to keep ''bouncing around'' 7% for the next six months, ANZ senior economist Sharon Zollner said yesterday.

Unemployment results released this week were greeted with justifications and cliches from the Government, explanations and predictions from economists, and expected criticisms and calls for action from Opposition parties and unions.

The "horrible" September unemployment numbers should mean the forecast top levels of the United States-New Zealand dollar cross are not tested, BNZ currency strategist Mike Jones says.

September's high unemployment figures continued to haunt the Government yesterday, with Labour Party leader David Shearer accusing the Government of trying to shrug off the bad news.

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rose in both Otago and Southland in the three months ended September, but the seasonal nature of the figures makes interpretation difficult.

The Otago unemployment and employment figures continue to fluctuate because of seasonal factors, but it does appear some people in the region are struggling to find work and have ruled themselves out of the count.

Employement levels appeared to hold up well in the first half of the year, but data out tomorrow is still expected to show an unemployment level of 6.5% for the country.

There are 25 unemployed young people in Clutha, and Mayor Bryan Cadogan believes the number can be zero.