Deteriorating Unemployment Stats add to early election prospects-ACT.

Dr Muriel Newman Thursday,

12 May 2005 Press Releases - Employment

The across the board increase in unemployment strengthens the probability of Helen Clark calling an early election, ACT Deputy Leader and Employment spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.

For five years Labour has been the beneficiary of a strong economy and rapid job growth due to the economic reforms of the 1980s and 90's, however Labour’s anti growth policies are now starting to bite," Dr Newman said.

Unemployment grew across the board in the March quarter, with :

Seven of the ten age group categories suffering higher unemployment;

All ethnic groups, excepting Maori, suffering higher unemployment;

Unemployment climbing in nine of the country's twelve regions.

These figures are simply a taste of the bad news that lies ahead and are an indictment on Labour's policies and management of our economy, with a forecast growth in unemployment emerging earlier than anticipated.

The Government's latest pre-budget official forecasts show unemployment is set to rise 11% over the next four years.

This will be the catalyst for Labour to go early to the polls to try and win back power before the unsuspecting public realise what's going on, Dr Newman said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media