Long-term unemployed, sickness beneficiaries and single mothers on the DPB with children over six are about to come under extra scrutiny under new Govt reforms.

It was the big bang response to the deepening recession. But 12 months on, what difference has the Job Summit made?

Fears of a resurgent skills exodus across the Tasman are growing after new research found a growing Australian skills shortage.

How will business judge John Key's economic plans? Pretty well - if he meets the five key criteria, writes Fran O’Sullivan.

The recession has been particularly savage on young workers with 18.4 per cent of the 15 to 24 age group now unemployed.