6 November 2009
Media Statement

This government is leaving our youth behind

Today’s household labour force survey showing youth unemployment at record highs demonstrates this government is not doing enough to provide jobs for young Kiwis, Labour’s youth Affairs Spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

There are now 62,700 young people who aren't in work, education, or training, Jacinda Ardren said.

“The number of 15-19 year olds who are unemployed has jumped to a high of 25 per cent -- a 2.2 per cent increase in one quarter and the highest rate of unemployment for this age group in at least 23 years,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“The last time we came close to a quarter of all young New Zealanders unemployed was in 1993, when youth unemployment rose to 24.5 per cent.

“Among 20-24 year olds, there has been a significant increase in the number who have withdrawn from the job market altogether.

“Labour has consistently called for the Government to invest in ideas that will work and to make jobs a priority.

“Recently Social Development Minister Paula Bennett openly celebrated that 1000 young people had found short term work as part of her government’s package on youth unemployment. Today’s figures show that she has barely scratched the surface of the youth unemployment issue.

“There are now 62,700 young people who aren't in work, education, or training. That is an enormous amount of wasted potential which does not inspire confidence that this government knows what it is doing.

“Instead of just tinkering around the edges, the Government should roll up its sleeves and outline and execute a credible plan to provide jobs and training so that New Zealand can come out of the recession strongly. Its inaction so far risks creating a lost generation of Kiwis,” Jacinda Ardern said.

ENDS

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