Friday, August 04, 2006

In the Waikato

A good news story from the Waikato where unemployment is at its lowest level in 20 years; Work and Income regional director Neville Williams said the "huge drop" in unemployment numbers was due to a strong labour market with reasonable wage rates.

Just for balance let's have the other side of the Waikato story;
Sickness benefit up 40 percent over last five years
Invalid's benefit up 37 percent over last five years
DPB down 3 percent but with a bulge in the 18-19 year-olds indicating future growth in numbers, especially the stayers (oops - no pun intended).

Unemployment is down - great - but more people are are socially and physically unwell and long term dependent.

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