More people are on the Jobseeker benefit than at the height of the global financial crisis (GFC), and it’s going to get worse, one economist warns. There are now 35.2 people on the Jobseeker benefit per 1000 compared to 34.6 at the peak of the GFC, or a total of 174,630. The Government has waived the standdown period for the Jobseeker benefit to help people who are suddenly out of work due to the impact of Covid-19. Getty-Images About half the working age population is being supported through the benefit or wage subsidy. About half the working age population was being supported through the benefit or wage subsidy, he said.

Source: Stuff April 28, 2020 20:58 UTC