Jobs Party positive about new unemployment low

The unemployment rate announced today of 4.7 per cent of the work force is the lowest level since December 1987, Progressive MP Matt Robson says.

“This sixteen-year low is very positive news.

“There are 37,000 more people in jobs than a year ago. It means more opportunities for the people who are getting work. It means stronger, safer communities and more resources to improve everyone’s well-being.

“The best news is that the fall in unemployment was driven largely by the 15 to 24 age group, according to the official figures. Progressives are on our way to achieving out aim of no youth unemployment by 2007.

“Jobs are the top priority for Progressives and the work Jim Anderton is doing in economic development is delivering results. Regions, industries and communities are working together on economic development.

“The investment the Coalition is putting into training, skills, education, health and infrastructure are all helping.

“In almost a decade in power, National never managed to bring the unemployment rate below 6 per cent once. When the National Party finance spokesperson was running the Reserve Bank, unemployment was deliberately kept high to control inflation. Now, the government is pro-jobs.

“It’s even more remarkable that the new low in unemployment has come at a time when the economy has been slowing.”

Matt Robson is pleased that the Pacific Island rate of unemployment has come down to 7.1 percent. “The PI rate remains higher than the pakeha rate, but it is now lower than the rate for Pacific peoples when the National Party left office. The Maori rate continues to come down to, although it remains a concern at over 10 per cent.”

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