David
PARKER
Spokesperson for Finance

9 November 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Out Of Touch Key’s Jobs Promise Off Mark By 48,000

John Key needs 48,125 more people employed to be on track to fulfil his election promise to create 170,000 more jobs, says Labour's Finance spokesperson David Parker.

“National promised 170,000 more jobs. They are way behind. They needed 53,125 more people to be employed over the past five quarters to be on target. They only had 5,000. They need an astonishing 48,125 more people employed to be on track. Not that they would know it.

“When asked how many jobs have been created Bill English said: ‘oh well look well I couldn't give you that right now, we'll let you know in December’.

“The Government clearly isn’t bothered about keeping its promise to New Zealanders.

“John Key’s reaction to unemployment at 7.3 per cent was: ‘I'm very surprised with the numbers I've seen this morning … goodness knows what the next one will look like’.

“Three words: out of touch. Every week major job losses in critical industries are announced. Everyone knows how bad things are except Government ministers, who still seem to think they are doing a good job.

“Instead of 170,000 new jobs we have 175,000 people out of work and 170,000 Kiwis who have left for Australia.

“National’s economy is stagnating. It’s especially tough in the critical manufacturing sector, where jobs are down by 5,700 in a year, even when primary processing is included. Outside of manufacturing of primary products, the position is even worse.

“What will it take for National to admit its hands-off policies aren’t working? How high will unemployment have to rise?”

ENDS

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