Employment Figures Point to Future Concerns

Thursday 2nd Nov 2000 Dr Muriel Newman Media Release -- Social Welfare

The latest employment statistics, while on the face of it strong, give reasons for future concern when you look at the detail, ACT Employment Spokesman Muriel Newman said.

“The increase in the unemployment rate for Maori and Pacific Islanders, in a quarter where official unemployment has fallen is a serious warning,” said Dr Newman.

The latest employment statistics, while on the face of it strong, give reasons for future concern Unemployment statistics are widely accepted as reflecting the state of the economy nine to 12 months earlier, as job growth or decline generally follows economic growth by this period, Dr Newman said.

“While the overall statistics are therefore a reflection of the strong economy a year ago, the current economic flatness is almost certain to see bleaker figures and a rise in unemployment during 2001,’’ said Dr Newman.

The Maori unemployment rate has risen to 14.2 percent in the last quarter, and the Pacific Island rate to 11.3 percent.

“The rise in Maori and Pacific Island unemployment at a time of reduced overall official unemployment is disappointing, and an indication that the Government’s closing the gaps on Maori and the rest has achieved nothing despite a year of rhetoric,” concluded Dr Newman.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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