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Bill English - Source: Q+A -
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The Finance Minister Bill English says the government is working on changes to benefits to try to get people back into work.
Speaking on TV One's Q+A programme, English said the plans include revisiting the idea of sending mums on the DBP back to work as soon as their child reaches the age of six.
"We are having a good hard look at it, along with a package of other measures, some of which will tighten the net at bit, some of which will give people the incentive to get back into work.
For instance, one of them is to allow people on longer term benefits to earn a bit more money in part time work before they lose benefits. "
English says he is working with Welfare Minister Paula Bennett on material to take to the cabinet.
The finance minister also says unemployment is dropping.
"The last forecast had unemployment peaking at around 8% later next year. There's some indications now that that peak could be lower....at around 7%
"For instance in the last month the number of people on the dole has actually dropped by about 200 a week. It's a positive sign, but it will be a rocky road."
