CTU MEDIA RELEASE
12 April 2007

Record Low Unemployment Confirms Active Labour Market Approach

“Latest unemployment benefit figures strongly support the Government’s active labour market approach which invests in people and boosts skills and training,” CTU president Ross Wilson said today.

“An intensification of the current policy direction is needed to build a high wage economy with jobs for all. The success to date should provide the confidence to increase the investment in skills and training, higher wages, and initiatives to address pay and employment equity, work/life balance, and decent work.”

“Despite the low unemployment levels, there remain serious job security issues for workers in some sectors, in particular manufacturing. Unions are committed to a clear strategy for a viable New Zealand manufacturing sector, and are supporting this through involvement in ‘Manufacturing Plus’ and BuyKiwiMade.”

"We must also not lose sight of the need for better quality and more secure jobs for many workers - 21 per cent of part time workers in the last Household Labour Force Survey would like more paid work hours," Ross Wilson said.

ENDS

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