Wage Growth Predicted in New Zealand as Skill Shortage Continues

March 7, 2019


With the current shortage of skilled trades and professionals, now is a good time to be thinking about a lifestyle move to New Zealand.

The latest monetary policy statement from the NZ Reserve Bank concludes that employment of the current workforce is near its maximum level and as a result employers are looking overseas, particularly the UK, to source the skills migrants they desperately need.

The number of people employed grew 2.3 per cent last year, resulting in an employment rate — the share of the working age population actually employed — of 67.8 per cent. That is the third highest in the OECD. Increasingly firms are reporting that it is getting harder to find both skilled and unskilled labour.

Taking school teachers as an example, primary teachers have just been offered a big 9 per cent pay rise spread over 3 years, whilst secondary teachers are considering a 15 per cent rise in pay. Similarly, hospital nurses recently settled their collective agreement with pay rises ranging from 12.5 to 16 percent.

It’s never too early to know all your options. Call us today to arrange a consultation in the UK to find out all you need to know about a great new life in New Zealand. Call 01244 321414.