9. JAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
How many young people have benefited from the Government’s job opportunities programme?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Thanks to the vision of this Government and the support of around 7,000 New Zealand businesses, over 10,000 young people have been given work through Job Ops. When we introduced Job Ops we were facing the worst recession since the 1930s, and this has made a real difference for those young people.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
We know that of the 4,577 young people who have completed their Job Ops placement so far, about 90 percent are not on a benefit. That is about 4,153 young people. Although it is not a requirement to record where they go, we know that 70 percent of those young people, or 3,190, have secured full-time or part-time employment.
Jacinda ArdernCan she confirm that there are currently 58,000 young people not in employment, education, or training; and, if not, how many are there?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
According to the latest household labour force survey, for the group aged 15 to 24 years the unemployment rate is at 16.8 percent. In the December 2011 quarter there were 6,200 fewer 15 to 24-year-olds on the unemployment benefit.
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Although the Minister might have some advantages, I think that quoting December 2011 figures is probably not amongst them, and maybe she might like to correct her figures.
Mr SPEAKERIt is. I also wish to clarify that my question was about what is titled the “neets”, which is young people not in employment, education, or training, as opposed to the household labour force survey.
I will deal with the point of order that is perhaps of more substance, although I appreciate the member’s point. The question was commendably direct, and contained no implied criticism whatsoever. It asked whether the Minister could confirm a certain figure in relation to a group of young people, and, if not, what the actual figure was. Maybe the Minister does not have that particular figure in the House, although the primary question would have alerted the Minister to this kind of likely supplementary question. I believe that the Minister should attempt to answer that question, although if she does not have the information that is fine, but it was a very simple question about the number of young people.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
First, may I correct my answer. It was indeed in the December 2010 quarter that 6,200 fewer 15 to 24-year-olds were unemployed. I do not have the actual number; I have the percentage in front of me, which is what I was giving in response to the member’s question. I do not have the “neet” number, but I have the percentage, which is considerably lower at 16.8 percent.