Employment

The government is bringing in immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Worker Visa.

A look at New Zealand's 54th Parliament shows its 123 members having had 216 careers between them - but there are strong similarities in their backgrounds.

Ministries and agencies are looking to axe jobs to meet the government's demand to trim budgets, and most of those will be in the capital.

The latest job cuts to government agencies are misguided, the leader of New Zealand's largest trade union says, and will result in declines in services.

A public servant forced to reapply for her role says competition in the job market means she will look for better opportunities overseas.

Some say they have already been struggling to find work, even before an influx of redundant public sector workers.

Destroyed, distressed, and disappointed - public servants are reeling as government departments continue to bring down the axe on jobs.

Government departments that increased their staff numbers towards the end of last year have defended the hiring.

And the Ministry of Social Development is also calling for mass voluntary redundancies. Audio

Workers describe the emotional and financial stress they are under as they face losing their jobs.

Job losses in the public sector are "unfortunate" but the government has to ensure agencies are exercising restraint, Minister of Employment Louise Upston says. Audio

While it is a challenging time to look for a job, one recruiter says it is not all doom and gloom.