Work and Income is expressing disappointment at the implication it has not been responsive to the needs of a group of transgender ex-street workers in south Auckland. The five young women were employed by the Mangere East Community Centre under Work and Income's Community Max scheme, which paid non-profit groups to employ young people for 30 hours a week for six months, at the minimum wage. The group ran a holiday programme and planned education programmes about transgender issues for schools. Programme supervisor Mama Tere says the women have struggled to find work or get a benefit since the programme ended last month. Work and Income Auckland regional Director Losa McAlpine says every effort is and will continue to be made in supporting the young people into work. She says the Community Max programme is a programme which Mama Tere and the young people knew would end after six months. "Work and Income staff have been discussing ways to improve support for the transgender community with Mama Tere. In terms of employment support and benefit payments, these young people need to take some responsibility for meeting their obligations. Benefits have been granted when appointments have been met and paperwork provided," McAlpine says. "A meeting was set up last week to discuss an arrangement to have a Work and Income staff member visit the centre weekly. I'm pleased to advise that this will occur from next week." Ms McAlpine says Work and Income staff work very hard to ensure all people can access its services in way they feel comfortable with.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 18th June 2010 - 12:51pm