The number of people signing up for the unemployment benefit has dropped off in recent weeks, but the Government does not believe it shows a corner has been turned.
Last week 394 people went on the dole - the lowest weekly number for some time.
The number of people signing on to the dole each week has been as high as 1300 in recent months.
But according to the Government, it's dropped to less than 1000 per week in the last few weeks, Last week it was 394.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett attributes the drop to more people returning to study and says it's too early to say a corner has been turned.
The figures were issued by Prime Minister John Key who warned opposition MPs against continuing to say 1300 people are signing up to the dole each week. Labour says that's unfair.
The next household labour force survey is to released on Thursday.
