Back to Work is a cut above for Bundaberg employers

A Palaszczuk Government program to encourage employers to employ more Queenslanders has reached a milestone with more than 13,000 people assisted into work across regional Queensland

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said the successful Back to Work program has assisted more than 500 employers in the Bundaberg region to employ over 1,100 Queenslanders who have struggled to get a job.

“We know that some people are still struggling to find the right opportunity and that’s what makes Back to Work so successful,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We have been committed to getting improving job prospects for Queenslanders, especially in our regions and this is a milestone to be celebrated.”

“Our investments in programs like Back to Work and Skilling Queenslanders for Work are helping Queenslanders get into work and drive our fast growing economy.”

“Giving businesses the confidence to be able to take on new employees will support them to grow and create more jobs.”

“The Back to Work Regional program has been supporting local employers since 2016 to take on eligible unemployed jobseekers.

“Local Bundaberg salon, A Cut Above at Moore Park Beach, has employed several people including two apprentices with the support of Back to Work funding,” Minister Fentiman said.

Salon owner, Shane Olive, said he was pleased he could provide work for people who were previously long-term unemployed.

“Back to Work funding has meant I can provide my employees with additional training and support to allow them to grow into their roles.

“I have also been able to invest in my business to enable further growth which has been really important as we are only in our second year of operation,” Mr Olive said.

The Queensland Government recently announced an extension to the Back to Work Regional program until 2020.

“I encourage any employer out there, if you are considering taking on someone new for your business, then see if you are eligible for the Back to Work program.”

Back to Work Regional Queensland

Support payments* currently available for eligible employers of up to:

• $10,000 for hiring an unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 4 weeks up to 52 weeks)
• $15,000 for hiring a long-term unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 52 weeks or more)
• $20,000 for hiring an unemployed young jobseeker aged 15 – 24 years (a person unemployed for a minimum of 4 weeks)

*Subject to funding availability. Eligibility criteria apply. Figures quoted are for eligible full-time jobs. Eligible part -time jobs attract 75 per cent of the full payment.

Employers are encouraged to visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information about Back to Work, to apply for an employer support payment or connect with their local Back to Work team.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719