Chch third in jobless drop

Press, 14 May 1985, Page 3

Chch third in jobless drop

The drop of 198 in Christchurch’s unemployed in April was the third biggest drop in New Zealand. The biggest drops occurred in Auckland (935) and Manukau (287), supporting a statement last week by Westpac Bank management that Auckland had had particularly strong growth this year. The bank pointed to several new factories which had sprung up, especially in East Tamaki. The number of registered unemployed in Christchurch was 6377 in April, or 4.2 per cent of the labour force. This is higher than the national unemployed rate of 3.7 per cent.

Greymouth also scored higher than the national rate, at 4.8 per cent, with 639 registered unemployed, a rise of 44 in the month.

Timaru showed a drop of 57 in registered unemployed, leaving it with an unemployment rate of 3.1 per cent, with 702 people out of work. There were 464 unemployed in Blenheim, a rise of 33; and 536 unemployed in Nelson, up 53. Figures for those employed on partly subsidised job schemes showed 2418 in Christchuch; 464 in Nelson; 462 in Timaru; 198 in Blenheim; and 190 in Greymouth. Figures for people employed on fully subsidised job schemes showed 1869 in Christchurch; 408 in Nelson; 283 in Blenheim; 229 in Timaru; and 166 in Greymouth.

Greater employer confidence in the economy was the main reason for the drop, said the district superintendent of the Labour Department in Christchurch, Mr Bill Holland.

Private sector placements were the main reason for the drop, said Mr Holland. Nearly 2500 people were working on partially-sub-sidised schemes in the private sector and 397 placements were made to the private sector in April, he said.

"Employment incentive schemes helped employers take people on and the School Leaver Training and Employment Programmes were helping many school leavers get jobs,” he said.