Nick Brunsdon: Infometrics Principal Economist on unemployment reaching 5.3 percent in the September quarter

One expert is warning the job market won't get easier any time soon.

The latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3 percent in the September quarter.

That's 160,000 people looking for a job, and another 138,000 wanting more work.

Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon says we're on the cusp of a recovery - but not a quick one.

"Our forecast is for it to hit 4.6 by the end of next year - and that's not a low unemployment rate by any means. It's still gonna be pretty uncomfortable."

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