Government complacency failing the unemployed 5.8.10

Unemployment has jumped significantly according to the latest release from Statistics NZ who describe the labour market as ‘volatile’. The figure of 6.8% shows that the recession is not over for many. There are 159,000 unemployed, or 255,700 jobless.

This means that both the numbers on unemployment benefits and the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) are showing higher levels of unemployment.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, says “There is a sense that the economy is stalling and confidence is evaporating. The Government is far too complacent about this. And jobs are at the heart of any economic recovery”.

“The reality is that the jobless need more support”.

Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said that the CTU is calling on the Government to step up assistance for the unemployed. This should take the form of expanding the Job Opportunities scheme, continue with Community Max, increase funding for the skills investment subsidy, significantly increase Task Force Green and other environmental work, bring forward job-rich infrastructure spending, and maintain public sector employment.

Maori unemployment is at 16.4% and Pacific unemployment is at 14.1%, both big increases from 12.6% and 12.8% respectively at this time last year. There has been a 70% increase in long-term unemployment to 37,600. This means that the long term unemployed are being left behind.

Predictions were that the HLFS would increase this quarter as the 6% for March 2010 surprised on the low side. But 6.8% is above most predictions and really does signal an urgent need for the Government to take this trend seriously.

“Participation rates show that people want work, but are just not finding it. More help is urgently needed both to stimulate job creation and help those out of work. The CTU has consistently warned that the Government has not done enough in response to the recession and sadly today’s figures are evidence of that.”

Peter Conway said attacking work rights is the wrong approach. For instance, these figures show that the 90 day law for small firms has not helped employment.”

For further information contact:
  
Peter Conway, Secretary, CTU
04 802 3816 / 027 493 9748