NZ needs 200,000 extra service workers in next three years, new report warns

A critical lack of workers is looming in the service industry, one of New Zealand's biggest job sectors,

according to a research report released in Parliament today.

A report shows the country will need thousands more workers in the service industry.

Source

The country will need more than 200,000 extra workers in jobs like retailing, hospitality and aged care work in the next three years, according to the researchers from Business and Economic Research.

There's a boom in the fitness industry and tourism, there's an ageing population and a growing economy, all fuelling the need for more service workers.

Bruce Robertson of At Your Service Aotearoa, which commissioned the report, says the looming shortage is "certainly scary".

 The Government is less worried.

"I think its great opportunities for Kiwis when you're in a growing economy, creating more jobs," said Paul Goldsmith, Skills and Employment Minister.

"We're creating more jobs than the population is growing so there is opportunities for Kiwis to get employment."

Jobless figures out today show unemployment fell in the last three months to 132,000.

So in the short-term, businesses will have to turn to immigrants, but they'll also be in short supply when new visa changes kick in.