Government must put our money where its mouth is

The youth sector of the Council of Trade Unions, Stand Up, believes the latest unemployment statistics released today paint the picture of a Government failing to create the right opportunities for young New Zealanders.

Stand Up National Convener James Sleep says the Government is all talk and no action.

“The latest statistics paint a grim picture,” said Sleep. “While in the 15-19 year old age group there has been a slight decline in unemployment, the 20-24 year old age group has seen a clear increase.”

Sleep says the Government’s small increase in funding for Job Ops was a step in the right direction, but believes it is simply not creating the opportunities needed, or the right opportunities to cater to the 70,000 young people currently out of work and education.

“The Government’s last action in the area of youth opportunities saw a slight improvement on funding for Job Ops. However, 12,000 jobs falls short of a realistic chance of giving hope to the 70,000 young Kiwis out of work and education.”

Stand Up believes the Government’s decision to reduce education funding has meant that many young people who could be up-skilling while the labour market is tight are being left to sit on the unemployment benefit with little hope.

“The Government has put youth unemployment in the ‘too hard’ basket. These statistics show that 70,000 young people are struggling to see a brighter future on the horizon under this Government,” Sleep concluded.

ENDS

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