The finance and insurance sector is planning to hire more staff in the last quarter of the year, according to a new survey by ManpowerGroup Employment.

The company says the sector has reported 25% of employers planned to more staff, but this is moderately weaker than the previous quarter.

The outlook declined by 2% compared with the corresponding period last year. Yearly comparisons also indicate the number of employers are planning to hire has also dropped 2%.

ManpowerGroup Australian MD Lincoln Crawley says the drop in hiring expectations for the fourth quarter reflects Australia’s unemployment figures.

“The latest job figures, including unemployment data, have shown a reversal of the upward trend in employment that we’ve seen for the past two years,” he said.

“This isn’t just a blip on the radar. Australian employer optimism has taken a hit, and it’s going to take time to build confidence again.”