Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Wake up call in job figures
Bob Simcock
Opposition Employment Spokesperson
4 May
2000
Wake up call in job figures
New unemployment figures out today revealing a rise in unemployment for the first time in 15 months are an early wake-up call for the Labour-Alliance Government, Opposition Employment spokesperson Bob Simock said today.
"The market was expecting the unemployment rate to drop - to around 6.1%. It has increased to 6.4 %.
"The figure must raise early alarm bells.
"The unemployment rate has been steadily tracking down since the December 1998 quarter. For the first time in 15 months the unemployment rate has increased.
"While the rise in fulltime employment is welcome - the outlook for the future is being thrown into uncertainty by the Government's policy programme.
"Employers are saying they will be reluctant and unable to take on more staff as they grapple with the changes under the Employment Relations Bill, ACC reform and general policy uncertainty.
"The New Zealand labour market is already facing skill shortages without having the added rigidities this Government is imposing.
"This Government is turning a booming economy into a collapse in confidence among businesses."
Ends
Gordon Campbell: On Fast Track Powers, Media Woes And The Tiktok Ban
Family First: Just 1 In 6 Oppose ‘Three Strikes’ - Poll
Labour Party: Budget Blunder Shows Nicola Willis Could Cut Recovery Funding 
Government: Urgent Changes To System Through First RMA Amendment Bill
Peace Movement Aotearoa: Global Military Spending Increase Threatens Humanity And The Planet
Government: To Introduce Revised Three Strikes Law
Labour Party: Environmental Protection Vital, Not ‘Onerous’
