Labour's accusing the Government of demonising beneficiaries - while people are being laid off.

Figures out today show 20-thousand more people are drawing JobSeeker benefits than a year ago.

Minister Louise Upston says that underscores the need for her policies - which include cutting JobSeekers by 50-thousand, by 2030.

Carmel Sepuloni says Government cuts mean thousands of public service workers are losing their job.

She says it's unfair for the Government to stigmatise beneficiaries -- both for people on welfare, and those that might end up there.

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