I certainly go along with the general consensus that the announcement John Key made yesterday on youth unemployment was good, as far as it went.  But then I would, because I supported Labour’s Schools Plus policy announced last year that went along the same lines.   The problem is of course much worse now than it was then, so I would equally echo Maryan and Jacinda’s views that this package lacks the ambition required to really deal with the problem.  Also it does seem that when you look at National’s overall approach there are some big inconsistencies.  Take away the Training Incentive Allowance for beneficaries, but bring in other incentive payments for a different group. Offering free training in Polytechnics, but not doing the same for others who have lost their jobs in the recession.

One other difference between Labour and National’s ideas here is that we recognised that simply giving young people an entitlement is not enough.  Schools Plus built in support for young people to get into, and stay in,  the right kind of training or work opportunities by beefing up the role of schools in helping manage the scheme.  When I read National’s announcement yesterday they seemed very keen to talk about the $, and the punitive measures, but there was nothing about how these young people who struggled to find their place in the education system will magically find their feet in a different part of the system.  For this policy to be more than a feel-good attempt it needs to be backed up by strong support systems to ensure these young people can grasp the opportunities that are provided.