The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters.

National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more Kiwis are ready to get into work, and Labour has voiced opposition to this idea.

National Social Development Minister Louise Upston says she's confident the Government's measures to reduce unemployment are working - but there's more to be done.

"We've seen 84,000 people leave welfare into work in the last year, so we're really confident that the measures that we are making are working."

Meanwhile, Labour social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime has pushed back on this scheme. 

"Labour has a plan, where we are talking about expanding apprenticeship boost, introducing trades training and expanding that - and a new work package, where we're going to create a whole lot of jobs." 

LISTEN ABOVE

The election season is well underway, and employment is a key issue for many voters.
National has pledged more drug testing for beneficiaries, to ensure more Kiwis are ready to get into work, and Labour has voiced opposition to this idea.
National Social Development Minister Louise Upston says she's confident the Government's measures to reduce unemployment are working - but there's more to be done.
"We've seen 84,000 people leave welfare into work in the last year, so we're really confident that the measures that we are making are working."
Meanwhile, Labour social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime has pushed back on this scheme.&nbsp;
"Labour has a plan, where we are talking about expanding apprenticeship boost, introducing trades training and expanding that - and a new work package, where we're going to create a whole lot of jobs."&nbsp;
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

Louise Upston and Willow-Jean Prime: National Social Development Minister and Labour social development and employment spokesperson on their new policies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/07f678b2-3849-4892-a1a3-b4e00151eb8a/transcript