Social Development Minister Louise Upston says two new sanctions being introduced for beneficiaries are practical measures designed to help people prepare for and find work.
From tomorrow, anyone who fails to meet their work-related obligations for the first time will be required to either complete a minimum of three job-search activities per week or attend employment-related training courses, RNZ reported.
The move follows the introduction of two earlier sanctions this year under the government’s Traffic Light System, which placed half of a person’s benefit on a payment card or required community work experience for those who did not meet their obligations.
According to RNZ, Minister Upston said the new approach focuses on encouraging beneficiaries to take active steps toward employment rather than imposing harsher penalties.
“One of the things we committed to was introducing non-financial sanctions as an alternative to someone having their benefit reduced, suspended, or cancelled,” she said. “We want people to take the steps they’re obligated to take to prepare for work. There is no sanction for someone who can’t find a job — but we do expect them to be actively looking for one,” quoted RNZ.
Earlier this year, RNZ reported that beneficiaries placed on money management cards were struggling to pay rent, leaving some at risk of homelessness. Upston said the new measures are intended to be more supportive and less punitive.
“These sanctions are practical and designed to help beneficiaries improve their employability,” she said, adding that no further sanctions are planned at this stage, as reported by RNZ.
The Ministry of Social Development will begin enforcing the new rules from October 20, as part of the government’s broader effort to encourage job readiness and workforce participation, reported RNZ.
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