11 November 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Tight labour market highlights importance of skills training

Today's ANZ Bank Job Ads report for October indicates that employers are competing strongly for labour. This highlights the importance of the government's skills training and education policies, says Progressive MP Matt Robson.

"Job advertising in the major newspapers across New Zealand rose 0.9 percent in October from September to stand above 34,000 for only the second time in the ten-year history of the ANZ Bank's newspaper ad survey. Job advertising increased 7% in the past 12 months. I meet employers up and down the country who say their biggest single challenge at the moment is to find and hold on to skilled workers," Matt Robson said.

"One of the most important aspects of the economic development strategy of the progressive government over the past five years has been the huge increased investment we are making in apprenticeships and in the other infrastructure that companies need in order to meet their potential.

"Over half a million Kiwis left our shores over the last few decades. More of them have to be attracted back to put their talents to use in New Zealand.

"The Progressive Party is campaigning to meet student loan repayments for each year worked in New Zealand after graduation because student debt forces too many to flee New Zealand, to delay home ownership and having children," the Progressive MP said.

"Our ultimate objective remains free education from pre-school to tertiary level, with Universal Living Allowances," Matt Robson said.

ENDS

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