A variety of barriers still exist for some people looking for work.  

The number of people on the Job Seeker benefit increased by 8,000 in the September quarter to sit at 70,000.  

Whangarei New Focus Career Guidance Service founder Muriel Willem says some people are missing skills in areas like computers.  

She told Mike Hosking that at the moment, even people without those barriers are finding it tough.  

Willem says that's because there just aren't that many jobs out there. 

LISTEN ABOVE