9 Jul 2014

Fifty unemployed move to Christchurch

12:03 pm on 9 July 2014

Fifty beneficiaries have taken up a Government offer to move to Christchurch to take up full time work.

The Government's so-called '3K to Christchurch' scheme, where it provides beneficiaries with a one off payment of $3000 to move to the city, came into effect on 1 July.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said so far 40 men and 10 women have gone off a benefit and into work in Christchurch under the scheme.

She said they have been employed in a range of industries including construction, transport, healthcare and retail.

Ms Bennett said concerns about a lack of accommodation for these workers are proving unfounded to date.

As at 25 June 2014 there just under 1,000 vacancies in the Christchurch region being managed by Work and Income. The $3.5 million scheme will fund 1,000 workers.