New initiative seeks to further reduce people on Jobseeker Support
The New Zealand government has unveiled a new Individual Job Plan aimed at assisting up to 70,000 job seekers to overcome barriers to employment.
This development, led by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), includes comprehensive needs assessments and personalised action plans.
"Individual Job Plans are a significant step forward in the government's efforts to provide welfare that works for all New Zealanders," said Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston in a statement.
The Individual Job Plans will assess various factors beyond work experience and availability, such as literacy, childcare needs, health issues, and past interactions with the justice system, according to a government fact sheet. This approach aims to address the challenges that have traditionally hindered long-term employment.
The rollout begins with the 10,000 individuals currently in phone-based case management, eventually expanding to approximately 70,000 job seekers in Employment Case Management by early next year.
During these assessments, case managers will collaborate with job seekers to identify issues and outline steps to resolve them. They will come up with a personalised plan that includes actions to address these issues within a specified timeline.
"Job Plans will dig deeper than someone's previous work experience and availability, giving them a proper assessment of their needs and the structure they need to address these risk factors," Upston said.
"This increased support will come with responsibility. Those who don't fulfil work-testable actions as agreed with their case manager could face sanctions through the new Traffic Light System."
The Individual Job Plans form part of the government's broader "Welfare That Works" programme, which includes a $1.1 billion investment in employment support and additional services.
Recent insights show that individuals on Jobseeker Support are disproportionately affected by factors like housing instability, mental health challenges, and prior legal issues. Nearly 50% of these individuals face multiple risk factors.
The Job Plans also come as the government has pledged to reduce the number of people on Jobseeker Support by 50,000 by 2030.
"This government has greater aspirations for young New Zealanders than a life on welfare, and we aren't prepared to accept taxpayers' money being spent on benefit payments for people who could be working," Upston said.
