More than 65,000 on the dole but skill shortage continues By SOPHIE NEVILLE, Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand
Despite the number of people without jobs, the country is facing a serious shortage of skilled workers – particularly in the rural sector and the building industry.
Finance Minister Michael Cullen has described the labour shortages as the single biggest constraint on economic growth in New Zealand.
ACT deputy leader Muriel Newman said the level of unemployment and the labour shortage were unacceptable, and people should be forced by the Government to fill the available jobs.