1 Jul 2010

Asian people 15% of workforce by 2026

6:29 pm on 1 July 2010

Asian people will make up 15% of New Zealand's workforce by 2026, a Department of Labour report estimates.

The report says half of all working-age Asians are between 15 and 34 years old and are likely to be highly qualified.

It also says Asian people with a bachelor's degree are three times more likely to be working as clerks than the national average, a finding Employment Minister Paula Bennett says suggests that many are overqualified for the job they're in.

Ms Bennett says employers should note the changing workforce and take advantage of the growing pool of talent.