Local employers are being reminded that the federal government’s Restart program provides up to $10,000 to hire an eligible 50-plus job seeker and retain that person for two years.
The Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson explained what it’s in it for businesses in Macarthur.
“Under the program eligible employers can receive up to $10,000 when they employ a mature-age job seeker who has been unemployed and on income support for six months, including the age or disability support pension,” Mr Matheson said.
“Since its inception last year Restart has provided a valuable incentive to encourage and assist businesses taking on new mature-aged employees, who we know often face barriers when re-entering the workforce.
“As our population ages it is important to ensure that mature-aged workers are not left out of the workforce.”
Nationally the top industries hiring people under Restart are accommodation and food services, manufacturing, construction and retail.
Mr Matheson said the Government’s employment programs were assisting more Australians find a job and keep it.
Other employment programs include:
• Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job — providing financial support to job seekers who move to take up work;
• Job Commitment Bonus — rewarding young, previously long-term unemployed people who find and keep jobs;
• Work for the Dole — this will go nationwide from July 1. It is currently being trialled in 18 selected regions; and
• Employment Services 2015–2020 — this new $5.1 billion employment services system, also starts on July 1. The system is more efficient and effective, and will better meet the needs of job seekers, employers and providers.
For further information on Restart, please visit www.experiencepays.gov.au
