A slighter higher rise to the unemployment rate than expected.

Stats NZ figures show it reached 3.6 percent for the three months to June.

That's up point-two percent, on the preceding quarter.

Most economists were predicting a point-one increase.

Herald Business Editor at Large, Liam Dann, told Kerre Woodham it means there's more tension in the labour market.

He says it's been seen through more people applying for fewer job ads - which makes life easier for employers.

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