Total number of people getting the unemployment benefit in New Zealand surged 13 per cent to 66,328 in December as compared with 58,541 in the previous month.

The figure is more than double of the number recorded in December 2008.

Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development and Employment, said that the figure was the result of yearly influx of job seekers.

Commenting on the issue, Ms. Bennett added, “Many employers also tend not to hire over the Christmas period, shutting for the break, which further tightens the labour market.”

It may be noted here that the number of unemployed had jumped 28 per cent in the same period of 2008.

In spite of the increase in the number of unemployed, more people were getting off the benefit. Previous month a total of 3810 people got off the dole and into work, up from 1772 in the similar period of 2008.

Ms. Bennett added that the number of unemployed would rise further, despite the fact that the economy has started showing signs of improvement.