Unemployment has gone up to 5.3 percent, reaching its highest level in nearly a decade – proof the economy is going backwards under Christopher Luxon.

“Two years ago, Christopher Luxon promised to make the economy better. Instead, he’s made it worse,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“The unemployment rate is now at its highest level in nearly a decade. That’s 160,000 people unemployed, the highest number since 1994 and about the same size as the population of Tauranga.

“Under National, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have lost their jobs. Every day, more than 200 Kiwis pack up and leave for jobs overseas that should be available here.

“For people under 24, the unemployment rate is 15.2 percent, up from 13.1 percent last year. It’s no wonder so many people are leaving.

“These aren’t just statistics, these are families losing their livelihoods. Luxon’s Government is so out of touch that even his own Finance Minister told people not to take losing their jobs personally.

“Labour has a plan to grow the economy and create jobs – building a productive New Zealand where hard work pays, healthcare is affordable, and our kids can see a future here.

“New Zealand is going backwards under National. New Zealanders can’t afford another three years of this Government,” Barbara Edmonds said.