30,000 more Kiwis are on benefits since National took office, a damning reminder of Christopher Luxon’s failure to get people into work.

“Christopher Luxon promised to cut the number of people on Jobseeker by 50,000. Instead, 30,000 more Kiwis are now relying on it because of his failures,” Labour social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

“Where are the jobs Christopher Luxon promised? Kiwis want the dignity of work, a secure income and the ability to provide for their families. They can’t afford another three years of broken promises.

“National promised a growing economy and more jobs. Instead, unemployment is at an 11-year high, business closures are at a 15-year high, and Kiwis are leaving the country in record numbers.

“Kiwis can’t afford another three years of empty promises. Kiwis want the dignity of work, a secure income and the ability to provide for their families. They can’t afford another three years of broken promises.

“Labour has a plan to get Kiwis into work by building the homes, upgrading the schools and repairing the hospitals our communities need.

“We’ll expand Apprenticeship Boost and offer every eligible graduate nurse a job, creating real pathways into secure employment.

“National has had three years to deliver. New Zealanders deserve better than excuses, they deserve a government focused on jobs, opportunity and getting ahead.

“While National is hoping to squeeze through on a campaign of lies, only Labour is offering a real plan to get ahead,” Willow-Jean Prime said.