Radio New Zealand

The Labour Party has again criticised the Government's proposed welfare reforms, saying they are rushed and ill-prepared.

The Government estimates the changes will move 46,000 people off benefits in the next four years saving $1 billion.

Labour's social development spokesperson, Jacinda Ardern, says private providers have not been given enough time to tender for contracts to work with youth beneficiaries.

She says there is also a lack of evidence to support the claim the changes will save a billion dollars.

But Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the Government has received more than 250 applications from private providers and the savings are based on modelling done by Treasury.