The Social Development Minister is certain it's only a matter of time before beneficiary numbers fall from a 12-year high.

New figures show 427,000 people were on a main benefit in December - including more than half on Jobseeker. 

That's despite the Government declaring it would curb welfare dependency shortly after taking office. 

Louise Upston says businesses sentiment is improving.

"When businesses are confident, they take on more staff. The staff they've got, they give more hours, they lift wages. So we are really confident things have started to turn the corner." 

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The Social Development Minister is certain it's only a matter of time before beneficiary numbers fall from a 12-year high.
New figures show 427,000 people were on a main benefit in December - including more than half on Jobseeker.&nbsp;
That's despite the Government declaring it would curb welfare dependency shortly after taking office.&nbsp;
Louise Upston says businesses sentiment is improving.
"When businesses are confident, they take on more staff. The staff they've got, they give more hours, they lift wages. So we are really confident things have started to turn the corner."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Louise Upston: Social Development Minister on beneficiary numbers reaching a 12-year high

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/aa88520f-b94a-4a29-8a8d-b40b006ac7d2/transcript