National asks why there are so many MSD staff

Judith Collins has asked why there are so many staff at the Ministry of Social Development when benefit numbers are falling. It's a pity she didn't ask if there is a drop in the rate of resignations as well.

I suggest two reasons for the increase: Many of the new employees were former MSD clients - many staff - such as case managers and call centre workers - are employed off benefits and many of the rest are university graduates fresh from canceling their benefits after receiving student allowances and loans when they couldn't find full time work.

She should be asking similar questions to IRD, given that the increase in the ratio of taxpayers to staff is way lower than the increase in staff numbers - even taking into account KiwiSaver and Working for Families.