Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): The Government's science and health - led approach has been reflected in the latest employment figures. Statistics New Zealand reported that seasonally adjusted filled jobs grew 0.7 percent in August compared with a month earlier. The number of jobs is now 3.9 percent above the same time last year. Westpac bank commented, "That strength came despite the country being under a COVID-19 lockdown for the last two weeks of the month". As we've seen on past occasions, the wage subsidy scheme plays an important role in keeping workers attached to their jobs, with the adjustment more likely occurring through reduction in hours worked. We know that the impact of COVID-19 has been uneven and we will continue to work with affected sectors to support them in these uncertain times.