Dole numbers up because of recession - Bennett

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The number of people on a benefit has increased because the country is in a recession but unemployed people are being supported, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

Her comments came after Labour yesterday released figures showing 48,555 people had gone on a benefit since National took office.

Labour's Social Development spokeswoman Annette King said the Government's programmes to alleviate job losses had not worked.

But Ms Bennett said the recession was increasing the number of New Zealanders depending on the state.

"Labour seems to have woken up a bit late to the fact that during the recession benefit numbers will go up."

The number of people claiming the unemployment benefit had risen to 59,151, the sickness benefit to 55,913, an invalid's benefit 84,902 and the dependent person benefit to 106,640, Ms Bennett said.

Numbers have been kept down by some people finding work through Work and Income and going off a benefit, she said.

The Government was taking "practical measures that are making a difference".

The re-start programme for workers made redundant and the youth opportunities package had helped prevent job losses and create work, Ms Bennett said.

"Every person out of a job and looking for work has a family behind them who's depending on them.

"We will continue to look for ways to support them with a firm focus on getting them into a new job."

- NZPA