More regional jobs go in Corrections reshape
15 May 2015 MEDIA STATEMENT
More regional jobs go in Corrections
reshape
News that 194 Corrections staff are to lose their jobs will have ramifications not only for them and their families but for the wider community, Labour’s Corrections spokesperson Kelvin Davis says.
Prison units at Waikeria, Tongariro and Rimutaka face closure under plans announced by Corrections boss Ray Smith yesterday.
“Once again the Government is looking to do away with jobs in some of our smaller regional centres.
“Redundancies take money out of the local economy. The loss of almost 200 Corrections roles doesn’t just affect those who are losing their jobs, but their communities as well.
“Interestingly Mr Smith says Corrections is looking to improve education, employment, reintegration, health and rehabilitation services for prisoners and reduce re-offending by 25 per cent by 2017. He is also talking increased prison bed numbers.
“With fewer people to actually provide the services, and potentially 433 more prisoners, it will be interesting to watch the ‘reshape’.
“Meanwhile we can expect more families to uproot themselves from regions that need more workers, not less,” Kelvin Davis says.
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