March 2010More people get into work and stay in work

(un) EMPLOYMENT

Mel Harrington, Work and Income, Wellington Region

More people get into work and stay in work 2

Unemployment Snapshot

Unemployment Benefit (W&I)

More people get into work and stay in work 3

Changing Landscape

• Client demographics • Client skills and

experience

• Long-term welfare dependency

More people get into work and stay in work 4

Youth Unemployment

• Maori / Pacific • Disabilities• Prostitution • Homelessness • Mental Health • Under-employed

“Investing in young people is vital to avoid a scarred generation at risk of long-

term exclusion.” (OECD Secretary-General)

More people get into work and stay in work 5

Not in Employment, Training or Education (NEET)

More people get into work and stay in work 6

Challenges

•Employer bias about hiring young people

•Low educational attainment

•Literacy & numeracy

•Graduates

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Government Responses

• Investment Approach

- Welfare Reform

- Higher skills / qualifications

- Government procurement

- Interventions & support

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Opportunity + Collaboration + Action = Change

More people get into work and stay in work 9

CENTRAL

COMMUNITIESSCHOOLS

NGO SECTOR

WHANAU

BUSINESS

LOCAL

TERTIARY

INDUSTRY

IWI/HAPU