about 1 hour ago

Politics live: Poll shows hung parliament, unemployment up despite new benefit rules

about 1 hour ago
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks after a visit to an Auckland school.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

The coalition insists there are jobs out there for beneficiaries, despite an increase in the number of people claiming the Jobseeker benefit.

About 205,000 people are now receiving Jobseeker support, the government is rolling out individual action plans with sanctions if they're not followed .

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said unemployment was still expected to increase before it comes down.

It comes as a new poll spells bad news for Luxon.

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