PM optimistic despite higher jobless rate

Prime Minister Tony Abbott believes there is still every reason to be optimistic despite the latest jobs figures being disappointing.

The jobless rate rose to 6.2 per cent in April from 6.1 per cent the previous month, while the number of people employed fell by 2900.

But Mr Abbott says 80,000 jobs have been created since the start of the year.

"There is every reason to be optimistic and encouraged," Mr Abbott told reporters in Launceston on Thursday.