{
  "id": 162331,
  "title": "Salvation Army: Youth unemployment stats a 'call to action' for the country",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/salvation-army-youth-unemployment-stats-a-call-to-action-for-the",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-05T05:04:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/895237/salvation-army-youth-unemployment-stats-a-call-to-action-for-the-country"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Salvation Army has called for urgent action to address the rising youth unemployment rate, which has reached its highest level in nearly a decade. According to Stats NZ, unemployment climbed to 5.6 percent in the three months ended June, with 171,000 New Zealanders unemployed, a 7,000 increase from the previous quarter and 13,000 more than a year ago. Among the most affected group is young people aged 15 to 24, with the percentage not in education, employment or training rising to 13.8 percent from 12.9 percent.\n\nPaul Barber, a principal policy analyst at the Salvation Army, pointed out that there is a significant need for opportunities for young people to gain training, education, and employment. He emphasized that youth under 25, Maori, Pasifika, and people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by the situation. Additionally, regions such as Northland have been especially hard hit.\n\nBarber expressed concern over the lack of opportunities being created for youth, urging for a greater focus on work-related education programs for those not pursuing an academic path. He also stressed the importance of the Salvation Army working closely with young people in schools to support their participation. The organization has been running a successful work readiness program, which equips youth with networking skills and helps them find volunteer opportunities.\n\nHowever, Barber stressed the growing pressure on young Kiwis due to the rising costs of rent, power, fuel, and food. He urged for the creation of pathways that can provide hope and support for young people, stating that they do not have six months to wait for economic recovery; they need assistance now. Barber emphasized the need to ensure that individuals have enough income to live with dignity and have opportunities to find meaningful work and training, offering them a brighter future.",
  "summary": "The jobless figures have hit a new high and the Salvation Army says that needs to be seen as a call to action.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RNZ Business",
        "title": "'Wrong people are getting the wrong housing in the wrong places' -Salvation Army",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/wrong-people-are-getting-the-wrong-housing-in-the-wrong-places",
        "published": "2026-08-06T00:54:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}