The number of people in the workforce surged to a record high in November with most going straight into jobs, prompting some economists to downplay a mooted interest rate pause in early-2023.

Employment increased by a huge 64,000 people over the month – more than 50 per cent higher than average – while unemployment rose by a slim 7400, keeping the jobless rate steady at a 48-year low 3.4 per cent.