6 Aug 2010

Govt provides $1m for Pacific work programme

4:18 pm on 6 August 2010

The Government has announced a $1 million programme to get more Pacific Islanders into work.

Figures from Statistics New Zealand show Pacific Island unemployment at more than 14%.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the Government's strategy offers training and work experience.

Ms Bennet says staff will also approach companies directly to seek work for people on the programme.

She says case managers will work with Pacific Islanders on confidence building, job-interview skills and strategies for finding work.

The funding comes out of the $12.6 million fund for Employment Assistance announced in the Budget in May.