Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Some youth could have better work attitude - Bennett

Updated at 11:59 am on 20 July 2011

Youth Affairs Minister Paula Bennett says she accepts young people are bearing the brunt of unemployment during the economic downturn, but says some could improve their attitude to finding work.

A report by the economic think-tank, the New Zealand Institute, says this country has a higher proportion of youth unemployment than any other OECD country.

Ms Bennett says young people are the last to get jobs and the first to lose them when times are tight but that employers say those with the right attitude are still getting opportunities.

She says some young people are missing out on forestry jobs because of low-level drug-taking - and there's a job for Work and Income in making sure people understand their obligations when going for employment.

Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly says the transition from school to work needs to be better supported, particularly for young people who choose not to go to university.

He says young people need help to better understand what qualifications and education paths they need to take to go into their chosen industry.

Council of Trade Unions secretary Peter Conway says the comments imply that only the good get jobs, and that the rise in youth unemployment is down to poor attitude.

Mr Conway says youth unemployment has doubled to 27.5% in the last five years. The Government needs to invest in job security and help all young people into training and work, he says.

Listen to Paula Bennett on Morning Report

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