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

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.

Advertisement