Race not only factor for Work and Income bonuses, says Maharey

3.30pm

Employment Minister Steve Maharey is rubbishing reports of a scheme where Work and Income staff are being paid bonuses based on the race of the jobseekers they place into work.

The Sunday Star-Times reported today that staff of the government department in Counties-Manukau were awarded three points for placing a Maori in a job, two points for a Pacific Islander and one for a Pakeha to help determine the size of their annual bonus.

However, Mr Maharey says employees are given points towards bonuses for placing jobseekers from target groups into work.

He says target groups are based on where needs are greatest, not just skin colour.

But jobseekers who do not fit into one of these groups will still receive the same services.

Mr Maharey says it is ridiculous to say it is based on skin colour.

He says a number of target groups exist, including people with disabilities, youth, Polynesian, and Maori people.

Mr Maharey says unemployment rates for each of these target groups need to come down.

- Newstalk ZB