Only union members are likely to get Government help under a proposed nine-day fortnight, according to Prime Minister John Key.
Under the proposal, instead of laying workers off companies could negotiate a nine-day fortnight, saving 10% of their wage bill.
The proposal was put forward at a job summit in February.
Radio New Zealand's political editor says Mr Key has indicated the Government is prepared to pay some sort of training allowance - possibly equivalent to the minimum wage - to employees who give up a day's work and pay under the proposal.
However, he says there will be a limit on who can take advantage of it.
Labour Party leader Phil Goff welcomes the scheme, but says its scope is too narrow.
The Government is expected to announce more details of the nine-day fortnight on Wednesday as it outlines its plans to help blunt the worst effects of the recession.
Mr Key says work is continuing on the idea of building a national cycleway - another proposal from the job summit.
But he says it is still not clear how many jobs might be created, or how much the cycleway would cost.
