20 Jul 2010

No evidence of new jobs for young Maori - Turia

4:28 pm on 20 July 2010

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says National has failed to come up with evidence the 90-day probation for new employees has created opportunities for young Maori.

The trial period applies to companies with fewer than 20 people, but the Government now intends to extend the policy to all workplaces.

The Maori Party voted against the 2008 Employment Relations Amendment Bill, which was passed under urgency without going through a select committee.

Mrs Turia says this time her party will want to scrutinise claims the policy would result in employers giving more opportunities to young people.

"That is not the Maori experience: 27% of young people under 24 years of age are unemployed." she told Waatea News.

Mrs Turia issued a challenge to employers - saying the party will be watching over next the few months "to see if those numbers drop".