Beneficialries to work in red zone.

[Suezy]

Stuff Home The Press News Christchurch Earthquake 2011
12.51February 22:
VERNON SMALL Last updated 10:16 09/03/2012

Up to 100 Canterbury beneficiaries will be employed in Christchurch's red zone to maintain and secure residential properties acquired by the Government.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said $770,000 would be made available to fund the "Working InZone" programme to get unemployed Cantabrians working in the red zone.

They would start next week, and Bennett said they would clear up overgrown gardens and rubbish and have "a general tidy up".

Brownlee said some workers would also be trained and employed as security guards to make the areas safe and secure.

"Given the recent cases of arson in the area, this is a welcome service for those living nearby - all residents need to feel safe."

The Working InZone initiative is a partnership between Work and Income, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera), City Care Christchurch and Waimakariri District Council.

The funding will supplement wages for up to 100 previously unemployed local people, as well as pay for mentors, equipment and on-the-job training.

"The programme gets people off the benefit, gives them skills and experience and a wage for six months," Bennett said.

To help their future employment prospects they would receive training in First Aid and site safety, literacy and numeracy, vehicle licence upgrades and would be able to link their new qualifications to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority framework.

"Work and Income beneficiaries will be on the ground working from next week," Bennett said.

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[Suezy]

Believe some have all ready started yesterday.