Criticism of the Government’s welfare reforms have been coming in thick and fast. 

Figures from Stats NZ have revealed that 40,000 people under the age of 25 are currently on the Jobseeker benefit, an increase of 66% compared to six years ago. 

The Government plans to increase the number of check ins for those on the benefit and reintroduce sanctions for those who don’t meet their obligations. 

Youthtown CEO Fay Amaral told Kerre Woodham that there are common factors among this demographic that keep them on the benefit, notably mental health and confidence. 

She said that young people aren’t being given the right support in schools, which results in the belief that if they don’t have university entrance or a degree, they won’t be able to get anything. 

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