1 September 2011
Learning or Earning trumps Benefit Card
The Council of Trade Unions youth wing Stand Up welcomes Labour's youth employment policy package released today.
Spokesperson James Sleep says “this policy is a big step in the right direction and covers some of the most critical
areas the Government has been inadequately addressing.”
“The National Government's response to this crisis have not been bold enough. Its recent announcements have been
misdirected towards a small number of young people on a benefit and not focussed on creating jobs. We welcome Labour's
commitment to strengthening youth transitions and investing in new and innovative initiatives to get young people into
apprenticeships and jobs.”
“We are particularly supportive of the training subsidy to employers - it’s an innovative way to create sustainable
employment for young people which includes a training component, something which is currently missing in the
Government’s Job Ops scheme.”
“Groups such as the New Zealand Institute, the Industry Training Federation and the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs have
spoken about the need to strengthen youth transitions or other initiatives adopted by Labour. It is good to see policy
based on evidence and experience."
ENDS