A new initiative to tackle the ballooning Jobseeker numbers. 

The Ministry of Social Development is pairing with the Chambers of Commerce to form ChamberWorks, in hopes of plugging a gap in the market. 

Data from December shows over 223 thousand people on the benefit, and the programme intends to connect employers with pre-screened, work-ready candidates.  

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges told Mike Hosking many unemployed people are fairly recently out of work, are highly skilled and experienced, and absolutely ready to get back into the workforce.   

He says the connections the Chambers of Commerce have puts them in a good position to be the glue between MSD and businesses seeking good employees.  

LISTEN ABOVE