Canterbury unemployment not as high as expected

Canterbury unemployment not as high as expected - minister

The number of Cantabrians on an unemployment benefit since the February earthquake has risen by 900, Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett said

NZPA
Thu, 26 May 2011

The number of Cantabrians on an unemployment benefit since the February earthquake has risen by 900, Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett said today.

"There was much expectation that unemployment would rise dramatically in Canterbury, so far it hasn't," she said.

Government support for quake-stricken workers had now topped $200 million, she said.

The first round of the Employer Support Subsidy went to 8000 employers for 47,000 employees. It also supported nearly 11,000 sole traders.

The two week extension from April 4 had the same eligibility criteria, but the numbers dropped, with 4000 employers -- for 21,000 staff -- and 6000 sole traders opting for it.

"Many employers told us point blank that they didn't want or need to continue receiving subsidies, as they quickly relocated and got on with business."

The second round of the subsidy was picked up by 800 employers, supporting 4000 employees. Employers have until May 31 to apply for the final round.

Last week more than 340 Cantabrians went off benefits into work leaving about 6000 people on the unemployment benefit.

"We looked to see if an unusual number of people had been declined for benefits in Canterbury because they were ineligible, perhaps because of their partner's income or assets, but that hasn't been the case.

"We also know thousands of people have left and not yet returned to Christchurch, so we looked at benefit levels in nearby areas to Canterbury but none have increased dramatically."

There are 700 jobs for Canterbury listed with Work and Income and around 1500 on the Trade Me website.

NZPA
Thu, 26 May 2011

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Canterbury unemployment not as high as expected - minister