Economic headwinds coming out of the Middle East could set back the labour market.

The number of filled jobs across the country lifted 0.3% from January to February.

But where public safety, healthcare, and education hiring improved in the past year, construction and manufacturing jobs slumped.

Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking we're yet to see the impacts of this war on business confidence and hiring intentions.

He says they're keeping a watchful eye on what happens with fuel supply and prices which could lead to difficult decisions, if it continues.

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