22 Jan 2009

Returning mining workers find it tough to get work

8:39 pm on 22 January 2009

Mining workers returning to New Zealand following worldwide job cuts in the industry are finding it difficult to get new work.

The world's biggest mining group, BHP Biliton, plans to cut 6000 jobs worldwide because of falling demand for its products.

Rio Tinto Alcan, the aluminium division of mining giant Rio Tinto, also plans to reduce its global workforce by about 1100 staff because of the economic slowdown.

Aggregate and Quarry Association president James Boyce says a slowdown in production is also causing some New Zealand companies freeze recruitment and cut staff.

Mr Boyce says worldwide job cuts in the past four to six weeks have seen ex-pat mining workers return to New Zealand seeking re-employment. Though the workers are highly skilled, he says they are finding it tough to find jobs.

However, recruitment firm Manpower says the worldwide cuts are unlikely to stop New Zealanders from going overseas to find mining jobs.

Manpower New Zealand general manager Catherine Lo Giacco says there is still some demand for mining workers in Australia.

She says though there are some companies that are reducing their workforces, there are also companies that are hiring.