Unemployment

Press, 19 November 1981, Page 20

Unemployment

Sir,—Heather Sim (November 10) is concerned that in 1980. going “back to the sink” is unacceptable for married women. I would like to say that life “in the home." not "at the sink" is the most interesting and exciting life of all. I would not change to be a "working woman." As for economic independence — what good will that do me when I am on my death bed? No. rather would I choose to put my energies into training my tour young children to be able to work, so that,. when their time comes to leave school, they may be able to cope with life, and be a credit to the community. Hundreds of women today "go to work,” but what about the children? Do they learn to read properly, cope with the new maths, and do some useful work at home? — Yours, etc., (Mrs) M. TAYLOR. November 10, 1981. Sir,—l wish to object publicly to the conditions and treatment of unemployed people at the Labour Department employment office. There seemed to be a very long queue and a long wait before, anyone would see you. Furthermore. the interviewers were abrupt and unfriendly; there was no privacy and no personal interest was taken. The atmosphere was reminiscent of

a "soup kitchen" line. People were made to feel inferior and undignified. The process was uncomfortable and humiliating enough for a pakeha. How must the (disproportionate) number of Polynesian people feel in these surroundings? I would like to know if the supervisors at this department are aware of the way people are made to feel and if they are prepared to do anything about it. People should not be made to feel ashamed if they can’t get work.—Yours, etc., EMILY HARRISON (MRS). November 2. 1981.

[Mr W. T. Holland, District Superintendent. Department of Labour, replies: "The Employment and Vocational Guidance Service of the department has recently taken over further space bn the ground floor of the Housing Corporation building which now allows for more space for privacy and if the job seeker requires a confidential interview, private rooms are available. I can assure the writer that my staff are very concerned about the needs of the job seekers and endeavour to assist them individually with a personal and friendly approach. Indeed, the department and staff receive numerous acknowledgements of thanks for the help and assistance given to job seekers."]