78737 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

78737 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Will people on the benefit be required to take up jobs in cities outside of their residence if offered to them, to avoid being sanctioned?

Hon Louise Upston: It is not the Ministry of Social Development’s (the Ministry’s) practice to require clients to relocate from their current community for a job opportunity. The Ministry considers a range of factors to determine if employment is suitable for a client based on their individual circumstances, including location of the job. If a client wants to move regions for work, the Ministry may be able to assist with costs associated with this. If a client is within commuting distance for a job opportunity, and has the ability to travel to it, then the Ministry would consider this suitable employment for the client.