Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on the unemployment rate rising to 5.6%

The Employers and Manufacturers Association says businesses are forging ahead despite a sluggish economy.  The unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in June – the highest level in 11 years.  Economists point to the war in Iran as one factor behind the rise, creating uncertainty and making businesses cautious about hiring.  EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking he’s hopeful we’ve reached the peak – there’s good things happening under the surface, so hopefully soon we can start turning the other way.   He says there was quite a sharp dip in confidence when the Iran war began, but they’re seeing more people deciding they won’t hang around until circumstances get better, they’ll just get on with life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.