By James Fyfe
Positive employment figures released today belie the true reality of New Zealand’s workforce, with many working poor struggling to make ends meet, says the Auckland City Mission.
Statistics New Zealand today released figures showing 7,000 fewer people were unemployed in the December 2011 quarter compared to that of the September quarter.
The unemployment rate fell to 6.3 percent from 6.6 percent, while the employment rate remained unchanged at 63.9 percent.
However, while the figures show an increase in part-time work there is a decrease in full-time employment, and those working are being employed for less hours.
Diane Robertson of the Auckland City Mission says many people now “fall between the benefit system and the wage system”.
She says many workers earn too much to receive government assistance but not enough to adequately cover living costs.
“An increase in part-time employment and a decrease in full-time employment, along with the increased costs in housing and food, makes it very difficult for families not eligible for the benefit,” says Ms Robertson.
The figures also reveal that although unemployment has dropped, the labour market is not growing.
Ms Robertson says workers she has spoken to find it difficult to cope with the lack of job security.
“People need to have a regular and stable supply of work in order to feel comfortable and these statistics show there is not a growing supply of work,” she says.
“People are worried that their job won’t be there in six months time; that means less job security, and people need job security”.
Ms Robertson says those most affected are often casual and contract workers who lack job security, and bounce between part-time work and the benefit.
She says the mission is there to help all people, with or without work, who are struggling.
“When you run out of petrol no-one will give you free petrol, but you can get free food,” says Ms Robertson.
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