Overall employment's held steady - but the hours people work have notably contracted.

In figures out today, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1 percent in the three months ending March. 

But total hours worked are down three percent over the year. 

Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr says numbers of part time workers are rising, with those working full-time falling. 

"Businesses are clearly cutting hours to reduce costs and fight their way through what's quite an awkward period, and that's weighing on households."

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Overall employment's held steady - but the hours people work have notably contracted.
In figures out today, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1 percent in the three months ending March.&nbsp;
But total hours worked are down three percent over the year.&nbsp;
Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr says numbers of part time workers are rising, with those working full-time falling.&nbsp;
"Businesses are clearly cutting hours to reduce costs and fight their way through what's quite an awkward period, and that's weighing on households."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank chief economist on employment numbers holding steady in latest report

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/96c8d61e-d1e6-45df-85d6-b2d60064452c/transcript