Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

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There has been an increase of 60,000 people on the benefit in the last three years and
32,000 of those were on the unemployment benefit. These are people who want to work and
are actively looking for a job. There needs to be specialised assistance to match their skills
with the appropriate jobs. Labour‟s Jobs and Skills policy and the use of dole payments for
apprenticeships (see above) will see New Zealanders gaining skills that will be suitable to
the changed landscape of the labour market.
Most people want the opportunity to work and take care of their families. Evidence shows
that with assistance and training, people on the benefit can get into employment.
Assistance such as the Training Incentive Allowance which was cut by National needs to be
restored to give those on the Domestic Purpose Benefit or the Invalid's Benefit more
resources to be able to join the workforce.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Labour will expand access to PATHS (Providing Access to Health Solutions), as
resources permit, to help those on the sickness benefit and partnering with
employers to provide supported employment for people with disabilities.
Recognising unpaid work
For some people, voluntary work is a pathway back to paid employment. For others, where
the prospect of paid work proves impossible, voluntary work is an important way to
participate in the community and make a contribution.
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