The number of people on a benefit has reached a new record and could keep rising, despite an uptick in sanctions.

June quarter data shows 11.9% of working-age people are receiving a benefit - the highest since December 2020.

It's an annual increase of 8.3%.

Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Rennie told Ryan Bridge the number of people on Jobseeker will keep rising.

He said unemployment is always a bad thing, as the more people working means there are more households with money in their pockets, and poverty starts to fall. 

Rennie said that unemployment is never a thing you should be aiming for, it’s always something you should be avoiding.

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The number of people on a benefit has reached a new record and could keep rising, despite an uptick in sanctions. 
June quarter data shows 11.9% of working-age people are receiving a benefit - the highest since December 2020. 
It's an annual increase of 8.3%. 
Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Rennie told Ryan Bridge the number of people on Jobseeker will keep rising. 
He said unemployment is always a bad thing, as the more people working means there are more households with money in their pockets, and poverty starts to fall.  
Rennie said that unemployment is never a thing you should be aiming for, it’s always something you should be avoiding. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Craig Rennie: Council of Trade Unions Economist on the record number of beneficiaries

European leaders met in Britain for the 4th meeting of the European political community.

The meeting hopes to unite Europe in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, beyond just the nations in the EU and NATO.

UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that newly elected UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, used this is as a chance to reset the country's relationship with the EU.

He says this will be helpful in addressing the issues of illegal migration across the continent.

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European leaders met in Britain for the 4th meeting of the European political community.
The meeting hopes to unite Europe in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, beyond just the nations in the EU and NATO.
UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that newly elected UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, used this is as a chance to reset the country's relationship with the EU.
He says this will be helpful in addressing the issues of illegal migration across the continent.
LISTEN ABOVE

Vincent McAviney: UK correspondent on EU leaders' meeting with new Prime Minister

Joe Biden's under increasing pressure to stand aside as the Democratic presidential candidate as Donald Trump prepares to formally accept the Republican nomination.

Sources have told the Associated Press that both Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi have privately called for Biden to step aside.

It comes as the US President continues to isolate with Covid.

Meanwhile, Marco Rubio's former Chief of Staff Matt Terrill told Ryan Bridge Trump will address the Republican National Convention this afternoon, calling for unity six days after he survived an assassination attempt.

He says a big theme for tonight's speech will be about unity not only for the Republican Party, but for the whole country.

That speech is expected to start about 2pm.

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Joe Biden's under increasing pressure to stand aside as the Democratic presidential candidate as Donald Trump prepares to formally accept the Republican nomination. 
Sources have told the Associated Press that both Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi have privately called for Biden to step aside. 
It comes as the US President continues to isolate with Covid. 
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio's former Chief of Staff Matt Terrill told Ryan Bridge Trump will address the Republican National Convention this afternoon, calling for unity six days after he survived an assassination attempt. 
He says a big theme for tonight's speech will be about unity not only for the Republican Party, but for the whole country. 
That speech is expected to start about 2pm. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Matt Terrill: Former Chief of Staff for Marco Rubio ahead of the final day of the Republican National Convention

There are concerns tax cuts on heated tobacco will make the product much easier for young people to access.

Customs quietly cut 50% from the excise tax at the start of the month.

Customs Minister Casey Costello says it's a trial, aiming to give smokers a cheaper alternative.

Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson Chris Bullen told Ryan Bridge it comes with a risk.

He says once the price drops, a new product becomes a lot more accessible for young people with disposable incomes.

LISTEN ABOVE

There are concerns tax cuts on heated tobacco will make the product much easier for young people to access. 
Customs quietly cut 50% from the excise tax at the start of the month. 
Customs Minister Casey Costello says it's a trial, aiming to give smokers a cheaper alternative. 
Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson Chris Bullen told Ryan Bridge it comes with a risk. 
He says once the price drops, a new product becomes a lot more accessible for young people with disposable incomes. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Craig Rennie: Council of Trade Unions Economist on the record number of beneficiaries

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