Work and Income is a service of the Ministry of Social Development. We have adopted a social development approach to improving the wellbeing of New Zealanders. The main elements of this approach are social protection where we provide a safety net for people in hard times; and social investment where we can address immediate needs and bring future benefits.

Our vision is to have an inclusive New Zealand where all people are able to participate in the social and economic life of their communities.

At Work and Income we help job seekers and pay income support on behalf of the Government. This includes superannuation payments to retired people along with the administration of war pensions and residential care and support subsidies. We also administer the Community Services Card, International Services, and the Enterprising Communities grants programme.

We offer services to employers and industry. You can lodge a vacancy through our Employer Line and can also read about financial support options, and our training and work experience programmes.

We know business decisions aren't always easy. You may need to take someone on right now, but you can't afford to. With the right financial support you can give new staff the supervision and training they need to acquire the necessary skills to do the job. The person you employ may qualify for wage subsidies if they have been unemployed for some time.

Wage subsidies provide the perfect opportunity for you to give someone a chance. If you are looking for four or more applicants we might also be able to meet the costs of hiring a supervisor. The type of subsidy and the amount of subsidy will differ depending on the job-seekers circumstances.

Sometimes you want the assurance of a skilled employee who is ready to work right away. Talk to us about training subsidies. In some circumstances we can help with the cost of training but we are only able to help with training that will be short term and is linked to a specific job you are offering. All we ask from you is that the job being offered is full-time and permanent.

We can also provide you with a one-off grant to help pay for changes to your workplace if you hire someone with a disability. We can help with wages and training for full or part-time paid work.

When you decide to employ someone, contact us on our dedicated Employer Services phone line 0800 778 008. We can help put you in touch with suitable job applicants quickly and cost-effectively. We cross-reference your needs with job seekers, and match your vacancy to people with the attitudes, skills and the experience you need. We will also be able to list and ensure access to your vacancy throughout New Zealand. Your vacancy will be displayed on our job vacancy boards and on our internet vacancy service Job Bank. We make up a shortlist of job seekers who meet your needs and arrange interview times to suit you. You conduct the interviews and make the final recruitment decision.

Work and Income is proud to support the Micro Business Excellence Award. We acknowledge the commitment and dedication of small business owner/operators. We invite them to talk to Work and Income about how we can help resource and grow their business.

For further information visit our website www.workandincome.co.nz