Immigration Will Not Fix Skill Shortages

The Council of Trade Unions says that the changes to immigration policy are a sensible response to the need for better matching of immigrants to areas of skill shortages.
"However there needs to be a balance between investment in skill development, training and employment programmes for those already here, and immigration initiatives," CTU secretary, Carol Beaumont, said today.

The CTU acknowledged that the Government had significantly increased funding for industry training, but this needed to continue, she said.

"In addition, higher rates of pay, and improved working conditions will assist the retention of workers in New Zealand.

"The CTU also wants to ensure that migrants in the workforce are aware of their basic employment entitlements, including their right to join a union," Carol Beaumont said.

"But, perhaps the key issue from yesterday's announcement is that it focuses again on the need for good settlement procedures that build relationships between new migrants and other workers - in the workplace and in the wider community."