Long-term unemployed triples under National

New figures released today show the number of people who have been unemployed for more than a year has more than tripled since the National-led Government came to office, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

“The latest Household Labour Force Survey shows those unemployed for more than a year has risen from 4,800 in December 2008 to 18,000 in the latest quarter.

“Unemployment remains at 6 per cent. Where is the fairness in an economy that is failing so many New Zealanders?

“The total number of unemployed in Christchurch is unchanged at 12,200. This follows John Key’s announcement yesterday that the Government would pay for 3000 beneficiaries to move to Christchurch.

“These figures show thousands of Cantabrians desperately need work. Cantabrians must be given jobs before beneficiaries are shipped in from around the country.

“Wage growth is slowing, showing hard-working Kiwis are not getting ahead.

“Wages are barely keeping pace with inflation, making it hard for families to keep up with the rising costs of living.

“It is clear the benefits of the recovery are going to the top few percent, not the 100 per cent of Kiwis that would get their share under a Labour government.

“Under a government that I lead, every Kiwi will get their fair share,” David Cunliffe says.

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