Thousands More On The Benefit, But Increase In Jobseekers Finding Work

Lauren
Crimp Political reporter

The
government’s claiming victory with the latest benefit data,
while the opposition says it shows the coalition’s failed to
deliver on its plans to slash the number of people who are
out of work.

The Ministry of Social Development
figures showed in June 2026 there were 218,500 people on the
Jobseeker benefit – up nearly 2500 from June last year
(216,000).

That was also an increase from the March
quarter, when there were 216,000 jobseekers, though Social
Development Minister Louise Upston said that was a normal
seasonal shift.

The number of people getting off the
benefit and into work also increased, reaching 86,500 – up
nearly 6000 from the year prior.

A press release from
Upston focused entirely on the exits into work.

She
said it was encouraging, and the positive trajectory had
continued from the March quarter.

“Economic conditions
are challenging, but today’s figures are promising for the
job market and job seekers,” she said.

“Our Traffic
Light System continues to help jobseekers stay on track with
their job search responsibilities and seize every
opportunity available.”

The traffic light system
tracks compliance with benefit obligations, like looking for
work and attending training courses.

Upston also
pointed to Ministry of Social Development job seminars, and
ChamberWorks, a partnership between Chambers of Commerce and
MSD which connected businesses with pre-screened beneficiary
candidates.

Meanwhile, a press release from Labour
only considered the increased number of Jobseeker
beneficiaries.

Social development spokesperson
Willow-Jean Prime later told RNZ it was good to see more
people were getting jobs, but it did not change the fact
that there were also more people needing
welfare.

“This government, and this minister promised
that they would reduce Jobseeker numbers by 50,000, but
instead there are nearly 30,000 more Kiwis who are relying
on Jobseeker support,” she said.

The government did
not promise that reduction, but it did set a target, which
it continued
to stick with.

Prime said the coalition could not
blame poor economic conditions caused by global
instability.

“These increases were seen even before
the conflict in Iran,” she said.

Jobseeker numbers
have increased steadily since 2023.

Asked what Labour
would do to change that, Prime pointed to her party’s plan
to extend the Apprenticeship Boost scheme, if
elected.

That would see employers in a wider number of
trades paid $500 a month for two years – rather than one –
to take on apprentices.

It expected 27,000 people would
benefit from the scheme by 2030/31, up from 9,000 in
2025.

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