Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Xero's Small Business Index has seen a rebound in sales, which rose 6.4 percent in October on a year ago, after two months of decline. Jobs continued to rise, up 4.4 percent, increasing by 3.6 percent in September. There was also an improvement in small businesses being paid on time in the quarter. The survey showed a strong bounce back in sales led by the construction, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors, while hospitality and tourism declined in light of the current restrictions. Xero said that the recovery appeared to reflect the easing of prior alert levels and the ability of small businesses to adapt during uncertain times. It said the survey suggested the economy will rebound when Auckland fully reopens, but, of course, it will still be challenging for some businesses.