Le’aufa’amulia Asenati
Lole-Taylor
Spokesperson for Social Policy/Welfare
March 21, 2014

Jobs Losses at Factory Devastating for Whole Community

New Zealand First is calling on the Government to do more for families hit when companies shut down after a South Auckland factory announced it would cut 125 jobs.

“This means 125 families have lost their main income, when times are already tough,” says Spokesperson for Social Policy Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor.

The spice and coffee manufacturing plant in South Auckland, owned by Cerebos Greggs, will close by December when production moves to Dunedin and Sydney.

“For many, this is their only source of income. Their savings will be minimal, they are already the working poor. They can barely survive on their wages, now they will be in the job market at a time when nearly 150,000 people are unemployed.

“The Government must address the wider impact to families and communities. It is not just the worker who is affected, it is a whole family, often extended family and this flows into the whole community.

“These are families who are struggling, people who will never be able to save a 20 per cent deposit to buy their own home as the Government expects them to do.

“The Government and the employers have a responsibility to assist the workers,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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