4. TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
Why has the Government doubled the number of Job Ops for young people?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Because Job Ops has been a huge success. We have added an extra 6,000 places, which takes the total number of Job Ops to 12,000. This Government is committed to backing young people, including those with low to no skills, into opportunities to work, every time.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
I advise that 1,300 young people have finished their Job Ops and 86 percent of them have not gone back on to a benefit. Those are early results. Even those who did not complete their Job Ops have predominantly stayed off a benefit. We are still working with these young people, but the initial data indicate we are making a real difference for them.
Jacinda ArdernCan she confirm that, as per her answers to written questions, a third of the young people who have completed Job Ops no longer have a job and have rejoined the 60,000 already unemployed young people; if so, what is she doing about them?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
As already indicated, 86 percent of those who have finished their Job Ops have not gone on to a benefit. I can break that down for the member, if she likes. Of those who left their Job Ops early, 77 percent have not gone on to a benefit, and I think that is really positive. Job Ops is really discovering opportunities for young people. I think another 6,000 places are very much needed.
Darien FentonTalofa lava. Is it fair that employers can receive a subsidy of up to $5,000 through Job Ops, presumably in recognition of their help in bringing down youth unemployment, but now, due to a change made by her Government, they can fire that subsidised worker within 90 days, with no fear of an appeal against unfair dismissal?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
The member may not understand Job Ops. What happens is employers get $2,000 upfront and they get $3,000 at the end of the 6 months. If, for whatever reason, that young person does not stay for the whole 6 months, the employer does not get the payment at the end. Job Ops is about opportunities. Employers are stepping up and taking on young people. We will back them every time to do that. And the 90-day trial period is working for them.