More people lose their jobs in the lead-up to Christmas than in other times of the year, as employers take stock and plan for the year ahead.

Redundant worker Kimberley Inu has won more than a month's backpay after Work and Income's call centre mistakenly told her she could not get the dole.

New Zealand's services sector grew at its fastest recorded pace last month as sales activity rallied, ending a recent horror run of data.

In the wake of the grim news about factory closures and lay-offs over recent months, the unemployment figures were only to be expected, writes Bryan Gould.

Have your say. Workers' unions have been quick to write off the Government's plan for a new, low, starting pay, while business leaders say it will help create jobs.

New Zealand's unemployment rate has risen unexpectedly, increasing to 7.3 per cent - the highest since 1999.

Solid Energy is largely to blame for the "dumbing down'' of mining industry standards that allowed the Pike River disaster to happen, MP Damien O'Connor says.

The wages which need to be reduced are those of the CEOs and other high-level management positions, writes Ryan Wood. "A maximum wage also has a trickle-down effect."

'Wouldn't it be great if you could just work when you wanted?' That's what drove a polytech pair to launch a website dedicated to casual work.

The Government takes the view that the remedy is in the hands of the unemployed themselves; they can correct the situation by accepting lower wages, writes Bryan Gould.