Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

From the local constituent clinics and public meetings I hold, I know there are people out there who are still struggling to find work and to provide the kind of life they want for their families. These are decent, hardworking people who would far rather be working than having to rely on Government support.

I know being off welfare and in work means a better life and better opportunities for individuals and their families.

Last year, we introduced further welfare reforms focusing on vulnerable young people and encouraging employment opportunities. These reforms are delivering strong results.

Our welfare reforms also focus on re-engaging beneficiaries in the workforce, as long-term welfare dependency can become a trap. The Jobseeker Support Benefit requires beneficiaries to reapply for the benefit after one year. As a result, 4500 people have moved off the benefit, with many now in the workforce.

Getting back into work can be daunting for some, especially for those who have children at home. To ease this, National introduced the Work Bonus – a financial support that has helped more than 2500 newly-employed beneficiaries, mainly sole parents, during their first few weeks of work.

Our welfare reforms are designed to empower people into employment, and they are working. In the last quarter, more than 19,800 people stopped their benefit to go into work. This means from one year there are more than 17,000 fewer people on benefits.

On average 1500 people each week have been supported off welfare and into work since the reforms began. National's plan is to help more New Zealanders move from welfare into jobs; and it's great to see this making a difference.

National's new money management approach means many teenagers on benefits have direct help from a specialist youth provider. This provider works with them to ensure their bills are paid, groceries are bought and benefit money is not spent on cigarettes or alcohol.

The welfare system will always be there to support people who genuinely need it. But going to work brings a sense of independence and pride.

I am proud to see our welfare reforms succeeding. It contributes to New Zealand's success, and helps build a more competitive and productive economy.