Employment

August 2009 - Employment and the recession

The economic recession has presented challenges for New Zealand employers and employees, unpaid and paid.

As the implications of the economic recession for New Zealand became apparent, the Government initiated a Job Summit to consult with invited parties and develop strategies. NCWNZ does not have any data available to indicate that these strategies will have direct positive impacts for women. Local Job Summits were also held and at the South Canterbury Regional Summit there was open discussion with targeted regional focused outcomes for businesses; keeping everything in perspective; support local businesses; sharing positive business stories; supporting training/retaining employees; access to supportive employer programmes.

It may have been too early to gauge any adverse effects or positive impacts on women‘s employment as redundancies and retrenchments had only just commenced. It is only in the last 6-8 weeks that unemployment rate has increased markedly and we are more aware of the wider ramifications for women‘s employment opportunities.

Where to now for New Zealand women and families? What is our worth within our society undertaking paid or unpaid work? Yes, we do make other life choices. Is it the New Zealand work culture that inhibits a women‘s work opportunities? Will implementing a new Pay Equity Law accomplish positive outcomes for everyone? We are at a crossroads for action which cannot be delayed to ensure there is no further retrenchment for NZ women and families and that gaps are eliminated.