Todd Talks with Todd Muller National MP

A new policy that was released at the National Party Annual Conference is the plan to assist young people off the Jobseeker Benefit and into work.

Aside from our own citizens being tempted to other countries, international workers are also being attracted elsewhere by higher salaries, more attractive residency opportunities and better living conditions. Plus, our employers are competing with the Government's own soft option: an un-sanctioned benefit that does not require any action by the recipient.

Under our newly-launched Welfare that Works approach, the next National Government will work with community providers and establish targeted incentives to get young people off welfare and into work.

Businesses across the Bay of Plenty are desperately short of staff, yet 4750 more people are receiving the Jobseeker benefit than when Labour took power in 2017. That is a 48 per cent increase in people on welfare, even despite record job vacancies.

My colleague Louise Upston is running a nationwide roadshow for employers and community agencies to connect and discuss challenges and opportunities in the employment space. I'm pleased to host her Bay of Plenty Into Work Seminar on September 8 in Matapihi. Booking details are at: www.toddmuller.co.nz/business.

I also hope to see you at my Law & Order public meeting with Mark Mitchell at Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club this Wednesday at 6pm. You can book your seat at: www.toddmuller.co.nz/events