Welfare Reforms Set To Hurt Ordinary New Zealanders
Asenati Lole-Taylor MP
Spokesperson
for Welfare
23 January 2013
Welfare Reforms Set To Hurt Ordinary New Zealanders
New Zealand First says a decline in skilled job vacancies sends a clear warning to New Zealanders that unemployment is set to explode.
Welfare spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor says it is particularly bad news for new graduates who will struggle to compete with experienced job seekers.
“It will make it very difficult for them to find jobs and will see skilled New Zealanders continue to head overseas in search of better opportunities.”
Mrs Lole-Taylor says some employers have also indicated that our unstable economy will restrict them from employing more staff.
“Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is lulling New Zealanders into a false sense of security with the introduction of the Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill when there are few skilled jobs available.
“It will lead to unemployed skilled workers having to take low-paying, unskilled jobs in what is essentially an underhand Government plan for a low wage economy.
“It goes to show that Finance Minister Bill English's intention to make savings from welfare reforms will come with a heavy human toll,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.
ENDS