Flexibility of job seekers and employers key

Flexibility of job seeker and employer a key to reducing welfare dependency

“Let’s not use the recession as an excuse to claim there will not be enough jobs available for beneficiaries under the government plan to reduce welfare dependency,” says Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett.

Numerous Chamber surveys conducted over recent years have consistently indicated that 40% of businesses have had difficulties recruiting staff with the right skills and attitudes for vacancies they have.

Mr Barnett said the government measures announced yesterday aimed at reducing long-term benefit dependency would open up opportunities for both beneficiaries seeking a good job and businesses wanting to expand, including:

• Many small-medium businesses have part-time work available that requires committed applicants seeking flexible hours. “For example, a solo parent looking for part-time work needs to be matched to an employer with a part-time job and able to offer flexible hours.”

• The Government announcement sends a message to beneficiaries that if they are serious about participating in the workforce in the future they should be spending time now looking to up-skill and become employment ready.

• Chambers of Commerce across New Zealand have a range of ‘free’ job training courses available that are tailored to beneficiaries, solo parents and new immigrants that job seekers can take advantage of, and which are linked to available job opportunities registered with the Chamber.

Mr Barnett said the Chamber of Commerce was strongly committed to working with parents returning to the workforce and provided training and placement, especially flexible work with mostly small-medium businesses. “It is the flexibility of job seeker and SME that can help the business survive through tough times while giving the employee a chance to get a foot in the door with some level of employment,” noted Mr Barnett.

ENDS

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