Everyone knows that times are tough at the moment and the economy is struggling here and overseas. Rural areas are not immune from the problem. The IMF and World Bank both announcing that they now expect the world economy to get smaller for the first time since 1945, should make it clear to everyone, just how serious the situation is. Jobs are definitely on the line and some have already gone as we have seen across the country.

The recent job summit was a way to look at the problem and try and prevent some job losses in places like Eastern Southland before they happen. By being proactive about the situation we are hoping that many people can stay employed through the tough period, even if it is at a reduced level. Many seasonal workers such as those at the freezing works have experienced this type of thing in the past. When there are less lambs or cattle to kill for a few weeks they go onto reduced hours. Of course this year with reduced animal numbers overall they are also on reduced hours.

This was one of the ideas that came out of the job summit. A nine day fortnight will significantly reduce costs for some employers enabling them to keep people in employment. The Government will pay $12.50 per worker for 5 hours per fortnight to help encourage workers to go on the scheme.

It is this type of innovation and collaboration between government and business that will allow many people to stay employed during the economic downturn. Along with bringing infrastructure spending forward and spending money in key areas such as state housing we are doing our best to save as many jobs as possible. Of course we won’t be able to save every job so we have a safety net in place for those who do become unemployed.

The most important thing to come out of the job summit was peoples’ willingness to work together and help each other to save as many jobs as possible. Seeing workers, unions, employers, and government all working on the same page is very encouraging despite the economy. Working together is the best way to get through the recession in the best shape possible.