Stop the excuses, Paula
The time has long past for Social Development Minister Paula Bennett’s excuses about growing unemployment in New Zealand to stop, Labour deputy leader Annette King says.
Latest figures out today show that the number of people claiming the Unemployment Benefit leapt by about 8000 in December to 66,328.
“This huge leap in people on the UB in one month alone shows this government does not have a coherent plan to deal with growing unemployment,” Mrs King said.
“It’s not good enough for Paula Bennett to downplay this sharp spike simply as a seasonal rise and to hide behind percentage changes in past years. That is just dodging the issue and is an insult to those who are desperately trying to find work.
“But her response is not surprising. She has an unfortunate habit of grandstanding on issues and skating over the inconvenient facts.
“It’s time for the excuses to stop. 2010 is the year Miss Bennett needs to get serious about her portfolio,” Mrs King said.
