Media Release

Salvation Army supports rise in Minimum wage

The Salvation Army welcomes the announcement today of an increase in the minimum wage. An increase in the minimum wage is desperately needed for the group of people receiving this level of remuneration. Those opposing this increase should realise that an annual full time wage of approx $20,000 provides only bare survival for families for whom a minimum wage job is their sole form of income. It is certainly preferable that people have incomes from their employment that they can live on rather than rely on the benefit system.

The most pressing social dilemma facing New Zealand is the level of inequality between New Zealanders. Unless we face the challenge of addressing this inequality we will face a growing amount of social tension and distress. The minimum wage should be kept under constant review as part of the strategy to address this inequality

Major Campbell Roberts Social Policy Director for The Salvation Army said that because the wage level may prove a disincentive to some employers hiring non skilled staff the Government must ensure that programmes of skill training relating to present skill shortages are available for those unable to find work.

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