Written By: - Date published: 4:01 pm, October 30th, 2008 - 76 comments
Categories: benefits, labour, workers' rights -
Tags: job search allowance
It’s good to see Labour turning its focus back onto policy (and particularly the economy) today with its announcement of a “job search allowance” for people made redundant in the coming economic downturn.
Basically, the allowance means if you lose your job you’ll be eligible for the dole without means-testing for up to 13 weeks. Next to its policy to bring in a minimum redundancy entitlement and a retraining allowance, we’re starting to see from Labour a pretty solid plan to provide security for workers and their families as the economy starts to deteriorate.
The only real I have with the policy is that it excludes people who have been in the work force for less than five years – I can’t see any good reason why young people, many of whom will have families, should miss out.
Still, overall this is good, sensible, vote-winning stuff.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Nats come up with tomorrow in response. The signs are their package will be heavily targeted toward middle-income swing voters but I’ll hold my judgement until I’ve seen it. One thing’s for sure though, they’ve got their work cut out for them if they want to trump this one.
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Scoopit!
Higherstandard. Now I understand your point, but who do you think are the proper authorities? Somehow Wodney Hide had to gather his allegations. (National Research Unit?) Then after a great deal of digging “dirt” he gave it to the proper authorities. I think that there are many crimes that are discovered by non-professioals which become cases later.
Agreed but the SFO had thoroughly investigated the Elders incident ages agao
hiherstandard: There was enough doubt to cause a rethink re Elders/Key and for the Herald to send their reporter to have a look and on Wed evening he and other papers believed there was evidence that the SFO missed. Remember John has misremembered a number of things and to some this causes a lingering doubt. Reading John’s body language I am sure that he felt totally safe in this case. But watch his Tranzrail eyes next time, and there will be next time. And remember it was Sturt SFO who decided to not prosecute Wine-box in spite of strong evidence that Fay/Ritchwhite were ripping the taxpayers for millions.
Ian
No there wasn’t enough doubt – it was Labour digging dirt – get over it and more on.
I can’t be bothered discussing a non-issue any more.
What an interesting choice we have for the centre-left!
Vote Labour: Helen Clark.. Muldoonesque in lust for power
Michael Cullen.. idealogical hatred of success
Vote Green: Russel Norman.. intelligent and articulate proponent of sustainability
Jeanette Fitzsimons.. integrity personified
It seems a no brainer. After the debacle of the H Fee the Labour vote could collapse to the Greens as per the National vote to Act and NZ First in 2002. What Helen doesn’t want to believe is that “all political lives end in failure” .
Does Cullen, therefore, hate his Own success John?
ie. Holding a PhD, Lecturer, Minister of Finance etc.
What a pickle that must be?