The number of people with jobs increased 1.2 per cent in the first quarter, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Federal Statistics Office.

The rise in employment comes despite signs that economic growth has been slowing down from the unusually strong levels seen last year.

Women and immigrants are the main beneficiaries of the increase in employment. The number of women employed rose by 2.2 per cent year on year, while the rate for immigrants rose by 4.5 per cent.

The short-term outlook also remains good with 90 per cent of companies surveyed indicating that the jobs market appeared positive for the coming three months.

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