New Jobseeker Requirement: MSD Work Check-Ins Begin After Six Months

Attendance at the Work check-in seminars is compulsory, and those who miss a session without a valid reason may face a reduction or stoppage of their benefit payments.

A new requirement for Jobseeker Support beneficiaries to meet with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) after six months to assess their job search progress begins today. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced that approximately 20,000 Jobseeker beneficiaries with full-time work obligations will attend the new 'Work check-in' seminars over the next year.

"Work check-ins are another proactive measure by the coalition Government to support Kiwis in their job search," said Minister Upston. "These check-ins will ensure more frequent contact between job seekers and MSD, allowing us to better gauge their progress and provide necessary support and training."

Currently, around 190,000 people receive Jobseeker Support, but only about 53,000 have employment case managers at any given time. Minister Upston expressed concern that the remaining 137,000 job seekers can go many months without discussing their progress with MSD, sometimes only checking in when they reapply for their benefit after 12 months.

The Government aims to change this by introducing the six-month Work check-ins, building on the Kōrero Mahi – Let’s talk work seminars that new job seekers attend within two weeks of starting their benefit. These initiatives are part of the Government’s broader plan to mandate reapplication for Jobseeker Support benefits every six months.

"These interventions will help job seekers get back on their feet quickly," Minister Upston stated. "MSD will ensure their profiles and CVs are up to date, offer interview tips, and direct them to job websites, vacancies, or further training."

Attendance at the Work check-in seminars is compulsory, and those who miss a session without a valid reason may face a reduction or stoppage of their benefit payments.

"Our economy is stronger when more people are in work, which is why we've set an ambitious target to reduce the number of people on Jobseeker Support benefits by 50,000 by 2030," Minister Upston added.

The steps supporting the coalition Government’s Jobseeker target include:

• Clear guidance on the full application of benefit sanctions to encourage job seekers to fulfill their work obligations.
• Introduction of Kōrero Mahi – Let’s talk work seminars for new job seekers within two weeks of starting their benefit.
• Introduction of Kōrero Mahi – Work check-in seminars for job seekers after six months to assess progress and support needs.
• Continued investment of $1.1 billion in MSD’s frontline employment programs and financial supports through Budget 2024.

"This Government believes that those who can work, should work, as having a job is the best way to lift individuals and their families out of hardship," concluded Minister Upston.