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The so-called "Jobs
Jolt" initiative includes a move to bring in work tests for people
over 55. Social Services Minister Steve
Maharey says it is going to get tough and suspend benefits for those who
refuse to work. Of the jobless, 8,000 are 55 to
60 years old and on a transition to retirement benefit - they get the dole
but aren't work tested. Under Jobs Jolt that won't
happen any more - it is part of what the government calls a "positive
aging strategy". Garth Taylor of Age
Concern says it seems cynical to make changes to benefits and hide
behind the positive aging strategy. But the government says skill
shortages are forcing it to take tougher measures - and that may mean
forcing some on the dole to shift towns if there is no work. Maharey says a clear message
will be given. "We're work testing you and
we can find no good reason for you not shifting away from that area
because we've got a good job for you and we'll help you do that." The scheme will also focus on
solo parents and long-term unemployed, especially those who have spent
more than eight years out of work. 140 will get computer training,
while thousands more will get greater attention from Work
and Income NZ , which also plans home visits to jobless in rural
communities. Kevin Hackwell of the Downtown
Community Ministry says WINZ needs to pick up its act. "There are something like
70,000 households in New Zealand that are not getting their full and
correct entitlement. Work and Income have the names and addresses of every
one of those people and they're not getting their benefits...they ought to
be doing that job much better." The
Jobs Jolt will cost more than $100 million over three years - in that time Maharey
estimates he would have spent around $90 million on benefits anyway. Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging |
A
new plan to shorten the dole queues will also make it harder for older
workers to get a benefit.