The government has launched a number of initiatives to provide extra support and resources for New Zealanders looking for work.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas
They include an online recruitment tool connecting people with potential employers and 35 new employment centres across the country.
There's also a service to help those looking for a job who are not on a main benefit, and one to fast-track applications for people who are.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said that, like other countries, New Zealand was experiencing large increases to the number of people on a benefit, particularly for the Jobseeker Support payment.
In the middle week of April 7694 more people came onto a benefit, 6991 of those were for Jobseeker Support.
The new services include:
- A Keep New Zealand Working online recruitment tool that connects job seekers directly to the employer making it quicker and easier for people to find work. The tool, now live, also provides online training courses.
- Thirty-five new employment centres across the country working with employers and job seekers under level 3, over the phone and online. Under level 2 face to face engagement with clients, employers and providers will begin.
- A Keep New Zealand Working employment service for those directly impacted by Covid-19 who are not on a main benefit.
- A Keep New Zealand Working fast-tracking service for those benefit applicants who need to re-engage quickly with the job market.
- A free online Community Health course.
Sepuloni said New Zealanders should go online or phone MSD if they need support getting back into work.