4 September 2013

Youth guarantee expansion a start, but jobs still missing

Today's announcement by Steven Joyce that all New Zealanders under 25 will be able to access fee-free level 1 and 2 training is positive, but just a drop in the bucket for the nearly 57,000 young people out of work, said Asher Goldman, Co-convenor, Stand Up, the youth network of the Council of Trade Unions.

"The 57,000 New Zealanders under 25 who are out of work and struggling are in need of real solutions to youth unemployment.” said Asher Goldman.

“Some unemployed youth will find this fee-free training useful, and we commend the Government for providing them with this assistance. At the same time, the Government is removing young workers’ rights through the 90 days legislation and the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, and allowing them to be paid less through youth rates.”

"Having nearly 57,000 young people unemployed should be a source of national shame that demands immediate action on job creation and on providing support for career pathways.”

"While young people cry out for the opportunity to find a fulfilling job with opportunities to develop their skills, they are instead having to make do with crumbs from the Government's table."

"Young workers need a government that is committed to supporting them, not one that gives with one hand and takes away with the other," said Mr Goldman.

ENDS

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