Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

JOBS AND SKILLS
Our vision
We know that employment is vital to the health of people and our society, that‟s why, as we
recover from the recession, job growth must be one of our most important goals. The
government must actively support the private sector to boost jobs and employ New
Zealanders.
Providing our workforce with the right skills is essential in matching people with jobs, it‟s
absurd that we are facing skill shortages while unemployment is so high.
Job security no longer exists in the 21st century economy, but by providing people with
meaningful skills and qualifications we can give them wider employment security.
Labour is committed to supporting New Zealanders into work and providing everyone with
the opportunity to up-skill and realise their full potential. To do this we need a world class
skills training system that meets the needs of workers, employers and our economy.
Training pathways need to be made clearer and the quality of training must be improved.
Actively supporting job creation
Currently 157,000 kiwis who want a job can‟t find one; that‟s 50,000 more than three years
ago. While the recession may technically be over, unemployment continues to rise and is
predicted to remain high for the next few years. With little hope for jobs, record numbers of
New Zealanders have been heading across the Tasman for work, taking with them valuable
skills and earning potential.
Labour has an economic policy that will put in place the right elements to encourage growth
and job creation.
Labour will reform monetary policy to ensure our exporters are not undermined by
extreme exchange fluctuations, including by broadening the objectives of the
Reserve Bank Act. Currently its sole focus is on the maintenance of price stability –
or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by Australia that recognises that along
with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity, and the health of the export
sector are at least as important.
Along with Labour‟s 15% Capital Gains Tax (excluding the family home), this will help
encourage investment in the productive exporting businesses New Zealand needs to grow
the economy and create jobs.
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