NZ continues call for skilled workers

New Zealand will continue to have a shortage of skilled workers over the next year, a new government report claims.

Figures from the Department of Labour reveal that the working-age population grew by 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2007, while immigration decreased.

Additionally, the country saw unemployment drop to 3.6 per cent during that time period, which resulted in firms increasing salaries and other incentives, the study suggested.

"Skills shortages are an inevitable consequence of strong economic growth. Labour market conditions will remain tight, certainly in the short-term," the department stated.

Skills shortages are also predicted to be a long-term feature of the jobs market, it said, adding: "Workers with skills are in demand and have more choices."

Immigration minister David Cunliffe recently called for "high-quality migrants", such as those seeking finance jobs, to consider relocating to New Zealand to help address this shortage.