13191 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

13191 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What are the risks, if any, of promoting seasonal work to people who receive Jobseeker Support, considering the irregular nature of seasonal work hours and the short-term nature of the employment?

Hon Louise Upston: Seasonal work provides good employment opportunities for Job Seekers. A considerable number of Jobseekers undertake seasonal work on an annual basis. Some seasonal work opportunities provide Jobseekers with employment opportunities that last for the majority of the year. The Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) works closely with employers to identify ways to turn seasonal work opportunities into permanent work opportunities for Jobseekers. The Ministry has a range of employment products and services that it can use to assist Jobseekers to move to areas to undertake seasonal work, assist Jobseekers on a daily basis with transport costs and also has assistance it can provide to Jobseekers who cannot work due to adverse weather conditions. Wherever possible, nearing the end of a Jobseekers employment, the Ministry regions will try to link up Jobseekers to further roles, including additional seasonal labour roles to prevent the Jobseekers returning to benefit.