Employment in Australia rose by 64,000 people in November while the seasonally adjusted participation rate rose to 66.8% — a return to its record high from the middle of this year, The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported Thursday.

“The record high participation rate continues to show that it is a tight labour market, especially when coupled with very low unemployment,” said Bjorn Jarvis, head of labour statistics at the ABS.

Australia’s trend unemployment rate remained steady at 3.4% in November.

“The employment growth in November is consistent with other labour market indicators showing continuing growth through 2022, such as payroll jobs data. Along with the continued strength in employment, hours worked are also well above pre-pandemic levels,” Jarvis said.

Seasonally adjusted monthly hours worked rose by 0.4% in November following a 2.4% increase in October.