Jobs policy for Canty

Press, 26 July 1984, Page 3

Jobs policy for Canty

r The importance of full employment to' the social . and economic needs of Canf terbury is emphasised in an . employment policy adopted . by the Canterbury United f Council yesterday. The policy, aimed at in- — creasing and promoting employment, will form part of the regional development strategy to be released later this year. In it the United Council lists objectives the Canterbury region should follow if it wants the employment situation to improve. Canterbury now has the highest unemployment rate of the four main centres. The policy emphasises the right of all people to work, with choices in the type of work and the hours spent doing it. It also recognises the importance of unpaid work, and that unemployment is not an individual problem but the responsibility of the whole community. Diversity and flexible economic activities should be encouraged, the council believes. The types of developments to be particularly encouraged are those that provide the most jobs for „ each dollar spent, providing high local involvement, and building on the skills of Canterbury’s labour force. The region should try to avoid “boom and bust” development, and the regional development strategy will emphasise enterprises which use renewable resources. The council also believes that the region needs to be informed about new technology. Alternative work patterns should be promoted, more child-care facilities ~l should be made available, and people need to be made aware of management and decision-making techniques which improve industrial relations. The United Council does not see itself actively taking part in many of the developments it recommends, but it would promote appropriate developments, doing research’, acting politically, providing information, holding seminars and public discussions, and co-ordinating and liaising with others. Work has already started on compiling a job-sharing j resource kit.