Each week now we hear of more workers who are losing their jobs. This week, Sealord will lay off 180 workers from their Nelson fish processing factory but they will employ another 50 on the fishing boats. These days it is cheaper to process fish on the boat at sea, not in a factory.
Two timber factories will also lay off workers. Nelson Pine Industries will lay off 60 workers while another timber factory in Christchurch, which employs 20 workers, will close. These factories are finding it hard to sell their timber.
Pacific Brand which makes socks for an Australian company will lay off 46 workers. Their Palmerston North factory, which employs 52 workers, is for sale and will close if they can’t find a buyer. The Australian company is moving some of its factories to Asia.
Irwin Industrial Tools in Wellsford, north of Auckland, will lay off 105 workers out of a total of 162. They make tools like circular saw blades for builders. Most of their tools are exported to the United States but because of the financial problems in that country they cannot sell these tools. In a small town like Wellsford, it will be hard for workers to find other work.
Meanwhile some farmers say they are still looking for workers. For people who like working outdoors, farming is a good job. Usually, workers get a house to live in also. But some people do not want to leave a city.