AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

New Zealand immigration more attractive as wages increase

Thursday, 1 May 2008

79% of New Zealand businesses have significantly increased labour costs over the previous 12 months in order to make the country more attractive for immigration.

In an effort to attract and retain staff from all over the world New Zealand companies are paying their employees increasingly more.

On an international scale, where businesses have increased staff costs compared to a year ago, this puts New Zealand in the top 10. In a global league table it was joint seventh in this category.

This good news is sitting well with current and potential employees in New Zealand, who now not only has beautiful scenery, a thriving economy and a safe country to appreciate, but also, can live in a country that goes out of its way to make its employees feel welcome.

As with other first-world countries, such as Australia, New Zealand would be facing growth stagnation if nothing is done to address the current skills shortage. It is believed that one way of solving the labour shortage crisis, is by increasing levels of New Zealand immigration.

In the survey more than 70% of New Zealand businesses were either more focused, or significantly more focused on attracting and retaining staff when compared to a year ago. This reflects the widespread shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand, which is undoubtedly one of the drivers of rising wages.

More good news is that New Zealand’s private businesses top the league table internationally when it comes to identifying work flexibility, such as flexitime, working from home, and working part-time as a staff attraction and retention tool.

If you would like to find out more about immigration to New Zealand, or want to work and live there, you can get more information on Migration Expert’s website.