Thursday 3rd Feb 2000
Muriel Newman
Media Release -- Other

The Household Labour Force Survey released today shows little improvement for the long-term unemployed, says ACT employment spokesman Muriel Newman.

"The Survey states that the percentage of long term unemployed has changed little since this time last year," Dr Newman said.

"Over 40% are long-term unemployed. These people and their families are at high risk of becoming entrenched in poverty.

"They are the families who were identified in the Ministry of Social Policy briefing paper to highlight the need for a coherent and proactive employment policy.

"These families suffer from persistent low incomes, family disruption, poor health, educational achievement and housing.

"These are the people Steve Maharey and WINZ should be targeting policy help at and offering assistance with expenses like relocation costs.

"It is not good enough for WINZ to recycle the same workers through different jobs and then claim credit for a job well done.

"Steve Maharey will not have succeeded until the long-term unemployed figures are substantially reduced," Dr Newman said.

ends

Contact Dr Muriel Newman ph 025774834 or Kathryn Asare ph 04 4706637

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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