A welfare expert's pointing to the lack of jobs being the main reason more people are ending up on the benefit.

Ministry of Social Development statistics show almost 8 thousand more were receiving a main benefit in June compared to March. 

It follows the Government instating new requirements for beneficiaries in hopes of getting more into the workforce. 

Former Welfare Advisory Group member Phil O'Reilly told Andrew Dickens the Government needs to up public spending to help the lagging economy.

He says it's about trying to reinvigorate the construction sector, which has seen 17 thousand jobs lost in the last 18 months.

LISTEN ABOVE