29 January 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

More pay cheques, fewer dole payments in Auckland

Amid job growth, Auckland’s number of unemployment beneficiaries fell by almost a fifth in the year to September 2003. The figures contained in the Department of Labour’s latest six-monthly regional report, have been welcomed as a win-win for taxpayers and beneficiaries by Progressive MP Matt Robson

“Every person coming off a benefit reduces the cost to taxpayers and at the same time they start paying tax. That means a double hit of money becomes available for our schools, hospitals and other needs,” said Matt Robson.

The number of unemployment beneficiaries in Auckland fell 18.8 per cent to 27,200 people in September. The average unemployment rate in the region has fallen from 4.9 to 4.0 per cent.

Job growth in Auckland was 0.3 per cent in the year to September 2003. High net migration inflows and low interest rates have been the catalyst to growth in construction, business and financial, trade and hospitality sectors

“Beyond the financial gains, much more flows from having lower unemployment: people who come off a benefit enjoy a real lift in their spirits. A better sense of fairness and security ripples across every family and community.

"The government wants more people in jobs rather than moving to parts of the country where there is little chance of work.

"The Progressive Party is committed to having every 16 to 19 year old in work, training or education as soon as possible.. As at September there were 3,726, mostly young people in industry training in South Auckland," said Matt Robson. The Department of Labour report says economic and job growth in Auckland will be moderate this year, but unemployment is expected to remain relatively low. Regional economies are strong and consumer confidence remains high.

Regional Labour Marjket Reports available at:
http://www.dol.nz/labour-market-reports.asp

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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