Female participation up as monthly unemployment hits record low

The NSW unemployment rate has again reached a record low, falling to 3.3 per cent in September, the lowest rate since monthly records began in 1978.

The NSW jobless rate was down 0.1 percentage points from August and remains below the national unemployment rate of 3.5 per cent.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the bulk of the rise in employment was driven by 17,900 more people securing part-time roles in September.

“NSW is experiencing the State’s lowest monthly unemployment rate on record which is important when we’re seeing the challenges of interest rates climbing and inflation rising,” Mr Kean said.

“Employment growth is booming in NSW, driven by a rise in part-time employment and the robust NSW economy.

“It is also very pleasing to see the female participation rate up by 0.1 percentage points in September to 61.8 per cent, remaining above the pre-COVID level of 60.2.”

Monthly hours worked in NSW also rose by 0.2 per cent in September.

The State’s participation rate rose to 66.0 per cent and is 0.7 percentage points higher than pre-COVID levels.

Employment in NSW is now 157,500 above and around 4 per cent higher than its pre-pandemic level.

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