SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Australian employment fell in November by the most in nine months, while annual jobs growth slowed sharply from earlier this year, a sign the labour market is cooling and could ease pressure ‍for a near-term rate hike.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed net employment fell 23,100 in November from October, when it jumped 41,200. That was far below market forecasts of a 20,000 gain. Full-time jobs dropped by 56,500.

Annual growth in jobs slowed to 1.3% in November, down from 3.5% at the start of the year and lagging the ‌country’s 2% population growth.

The jobless rate, however, stayed steady at ‌4.3%, when analysts had looked for a rise to 4.4%. The participation rate fell to 66.7%, from 66.9%, while hours worked went flat after

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