Darroch Ball MP

Spokesperson for Social Development
17 NOVEMBER 2015

ENGLISH PERSISTS WITH DODGY YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT STATS

Finance Minister Bill English should stop misleading the public with bogus youth unemployment numbers, says New Zealand First.

“For the third time in as many weeks the National Government has been disingenuous about the rate of young people not in employment, education or training, says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Social Development Darroch Ball.

“In Parliament today Mr English said the rate was at one of its lowest levels in years, yet at 11% it is still higher than it was in 2008 when National became government.

“The sad fact is that the rate has increased under this government by over 6000 young people, nearly 1000 more youth every year.

“New Zealand First has twice tabled documents in Parliament showing the correct figures yet Mr English deliberately continues to beat the same drum.

“This government is failing young New Zealanders. Manipulating the figures will not change that,” says Mr Ball.

ENDS

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