The number of people seeking the unemployment benefit in the Western Bay of Plenty is down.
Latest figures from the Ministry of Social Development show 1479 people registered for the unemployment benefit in the region in the three months ending December 31.
This is a drop from 1757 during the same period in 2009, but is still a large increase from the 546 people who registered for the unemployment benefit in 2005.
During the December 2010 period a total of 11,451 people registered for a benefit of some kind.
This is a slight decrease from the 11,453 beneficiaries from the same period last year.
Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett says a total of 352,707 New Zealanders are receiving a benefit.
She says most of this year's increase in beneficiary numbers was driven by young people completing education and training and looking for work.
'These young people are our focus and that's why Work and Income is providing extensive job search assistance and training,” says Paula.
More than 15,000 young people enrolled in universities received a benefit over the 2010 holiday period.
2 comments
See the problem........
Posted on 21-01-2011 11:42 | By Tony
Out of4 millon people 2.5 are working and paying tax 352707 are on a benefit add another 1/2 millon plus people paying almost no tax due to " working for famailies That over 800 thousand out of 2.5 millon people on a benefit.....Can anyone see the problem ?
The wealth gap IS the problem
Posted on 21-01-2011 21:20 | By Jontsa
Happiest societies with the least social problems are those with equitable incomes. The haves should feel good giving. I'm happy paying taxes to help make this happen.
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