5. JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What reports has she seen about job losses in the current economic climate?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
There has been a sharp increase in the rate of unemployment. There are 35,283 people currently on the unemployment benefit, and the number of people on that benefit is up by 15,250 on last year’s number. It is telling us that people need all the support and help they can get via Work and Income. We are seeing people, though, walk in, and walk out with jobs. Of those attending seminars, up to 38 percent are walking out with a job instead of having to go on the unemployment benefit.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
There are 1,245 families receiving ReStart. There are worries about job security out there; people are concerned. ReStart inquiries have been up. Around 9,300 people have been calling our helplines to get information on ReStart. But there is good news: 10 percent of those people have cancelled their ReStart package because they have found new work.
Hon Annette KingHas the Minister received representations from Jacqui Dean MP to support the 80 workers who face redundancy at Summit Wool Spinners Ltd in Ōāmaru, who went away from a meeting with Ms Dean very disappointed that she had washed her hands of their problem?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Jacqui Dean has made many representations to my office on behalf of her constituents. She is indeed concerned about their well-being and their welfare, and she is certainly looking at how they can get assistance through Work and Income.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Work and Income is already working with companies and businesses to help them get through this time. We have beefed up the redundancy support to such a level that staff are walking in and talking to businesses about what is available. The focus is on the transition of getting people from job to job, and we are seeing some successes with that.