The Government is being told the country has a mismatch when it comes to the skills of the workforce and the work they're doing.

The issue has been highlighted in a just released OECD survey on the country's economy.

OECD Chief Economist Catherine Mann says New Zealand workers are well-skilled when compared to the OECD average.

"What we have found is that many people who have the high technology skills in fact don't use them in their jobs," she explained.

"There's a mismatch between the skills they have and the skills that they use."

There is also a difference of opinion between the Government and OECD in regards to New Zealand's treatment of laid off workers.

The OECD's report suggests that the Government look at introducing unemployment insurance or increasing the notice periods for workers facing redundancy.

Ms Mann is warning the country's current structure for benefits may not be the best match for workers who end up losing their jobs.

"We're looking at a problem where the means tested on employment benefits - many people do not receive those benefits," Ms Mann said.

She is also suggesting the system needs to be more broad based.

However, Finance Minister Steven Joyce is contesting Ms Mann's understanding of unemployment benefit eligibility.

"It is actually available to people once they lose their jobs, pretty broadly. I think most New Zealanders will be surprised to learn that that wasn't available on a semi-universal basis."