Prime Minister Chris Luxon has promised the 'free ride' is over for beneficiaries, as the Government plans to implement sanctions.

Luxon and Social Development Minister Upston confirmed that from June, MSD will hold work check-ins for people who have been on the benefit for over 6 months.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the number of people relying on the Jobseeker benefit has gotten 'ridiculous'.

"I know we've got a welfare economy in this country- but really, something has to be done about this."

LISTEN ABOVE