Labour’s plan to get job seekers into better work
Labour will provide real support for people looking for work by increasing the amount of money someone can earn before
their benefit begins to reduce, reinstating training incentives, and putting a renewed focus on upskilling and training,
says Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni.
“40 per cent of children living in income poverty are in working households. On top of that, over half of people
currently coming off the benefit are not going into employment.
“That’s why Labour will ensure people looking for work can find a job, and find the best job for them, by providing
greater support for those transitioning from a benefit into work.
“This includes better careers advice, work experience opportunities, training incentives, and increasing the amount they
can earn while working part time on a benefit.
“Casual and part-time employment is a great pathway to full-time work and must be encouraged, but too often job seekers
are discouraged by having their benefits cut, leaving them no better off.
“Under current policies, job seekers start losing their benefit when they earn over $80 each week, and sole parents and
those on the Supported Living Payment start losing money when they earn over $100.
“This reduction in benefit payments makes it harder for many in employment due to the additional costs such as
transport, childcare, and uniforms.
“Labour will make it easier for New Zealanders to get into work, especially those juggling family commitments, by
increasing the abatement rate for all beneficiaries so they can start earning from employment without having their
benefit taken off them.
“Labour will lift the abatement rate for all beneficiaries so they can earn up to $150 before they lose any of their
benefit.
“The Training Incentive Allowance will be reinstated to help with course costs and other additional training-related
expenses, such as text books, and transport so beneficiaries can upskill and take up further education.
“The Training Incentive Allowance was taken away by National, and we have seen the result of this with declining numbers
of beneficiaries leaving the benefit to go into study.
“Labour wants to ensure positive long-term outcomes for these families, so we will also monitor and report on the
benefit transitions to ensure the Government is accountable for facilitating better outcomes for individuals and their
families.
“Increasing the abatement rate and providing support for training, alongside Labour’s policies to encourage education
through three years free post-secondary school study, as well as our Dole for Apprenticeships and Ready for Work
schemes, show Labour’s commitment to better opportunities for all.
“It’s time for Kiwi job seekers to get real support to get into work. Labour is backing New Zealanders by providing real
pathways towards employment and training,” says Carmel Sepuloni.