MEDIA RELEASE
Jobseeker numbers a puzzle given unemployment numbers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 NOVEMBER 2018
With unemployment falling to only 3.9 percent, the growth in those receiving jobseeker benefits is a real puzzle, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says “In the last year, 9000 more people have moved on to the jobseeker benefit. There’s simply no excuse for thousands more people claiming unemployment benefits when unemployment is below 4 percent.”

“Today unemployment figure suggests the Government needs to crack down harder on those receiving jobseeker benefits – to ensure those who are receiving it actually meet eligibility criteria.

“Last month we revealed that more than a third of unemployment and single parent beneficiaries admit to failing on their obligation to seek unemployment, while one in ten unemployment beneficiaries work full-time. Today’s figures are just more evidence that too often taxpayers are being ripped off and much of the welfare spend is going to those who don’t need it.”

Benefit Sanctions: help but hassle welfare reduces child is available at www.taxpayers.org.nz/benefit_sanctions

ENDS

© Scoop Media