Carmel
SEPULONI

Social Development Spokesperson

16 September 2015 MEDIA STATEMENT

Parliament should back pathway to work

People receiving benefits would get a much needed financial boost from part-time work – and a pathway into full-time employment – under a new Member’s Bill drawn today, says the Bill’s sponsor and Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni.

“My Social Security (Pathway to Work) Amendment Bill lifts the rates people on a benefit can earn through part time work without having their support cut.

“Part-time work is a vital pathway back into full-time employment for people on the benefit. Making that work pay by raising the abatement rate will give thousands of New Zealanders a better chance at getting a full-time job.

“This Bill will also help address New Zealand’s shameful rates of child poverty – allowing people to earn more through part time work will help boost the incomes of some of our most vulnerable families.

“Parliament has a great opportunity in front of it to make work pay, and help move thousands of people into better work. I urge all parties to support the Bill to first reading,” says Carmel Sepuloni

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