Back to work for more Queenslanders

The Palaszczuk Government’s successful Back to Work incentive for businesses to hire young and long-term unemployed staff has been expanded to encourage businesses to take on a mature-aged employee with payments of up to $20,000.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said it was programs like Back to Work that supported businesses to grow.

“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.

“Back to Work encourages employers to have the confidence to take on a new employee, creating more jobs for Queensland while supporting local businesses.”

“The experience and knowledge that a mature-aged staff member can bring to a business is invaluable.

“The response to this program from Queensland employers has been overwhelming. We hear stories everyday about how this program has given Queensland businesses a helping hand and impacted on the lives of the jobseekers they have hired.

“I encourage any employer out there, if you are considering taking on someone new in 2018, then see if you are eligible for the Back to Work program,”

“This program has supported more than 10,000 Queenslanders to get a job and has been a valuable contributor to the 143,900 jobs created since the Palaszczuk Government was elected.”

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.

Additional information

Back to Work Regional Employment Package is a $305 million initiative designed to give businesses the confidence to employ regional jobseekers and provide an economic boost to regions facing challenging times

Employer Support, Youth Boost and Mature Aged Worker Boost payments are available under these Guidelines to employers who meet all the program eligibility criteria.

Boost payments are offered in the following regions:

• Wide Bay Burnett

• North Queensland

• Far North Queensland

• Mackay/Whitsunday

• Central Queensland

• North West Queensland

• South West Queensland.

Employer Support Payments

• $10,000 for a jobseeker previously unemployed between four and 52 weeks
• $15,000 for a jobseeker previously unemployed 52 weeks or more
• Youth Boost Payments of $20,000 for a Jobseeker previously unemployed (minimum four weeks) and aged between 15-24 years
• Mature Aged Worker Boost of $20,000 for a jobseeker previously unemployed (minimum four weeks) and aged 55 years or over

Back to Work South East Queensland is a $27.5 million initiative designed to give businesses the confidence to employ long-term unemployed, unemployed youth (15-24 year-olds) and mature aged (55 plus) jobseekers in South East Queensland (SEQ).

This program aims to facilitate unemployed jobseekers into the labour market and support them to create a strong connection to the labour force.

Employer Support, Youth Boost and Mature Aged Worker Boost payments are available under these guidelines to SEQ employers who meet all the program eligibility criteria.

Back to Work SEQ Employer Support, Youth Boost and Mature Aged Worker Boost payments are offered in the following areas:

• Brisbane

• Redlands

• Logan

• Gold Coast

• Scenic Rim

• Ipswich

• Lockyer Valley

• Somerset

• Moreton Bay

• Sunshine Coast

• Noosa

• Toowoomba.

 Employer Support Payments

• $15,000 for a jobseeker previously unemployed 52 weeks or more Youth Boost Payments
• $20,000 for a jobseeker previously unemployed (minimum four weeks) and aged between 15-24 years
• $20,000 for a jobseeker previously unemployed (minimum four weeks) and aged 55 years or over

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

Each eligible employer may claim a maximum of five Back to Work SEQ applications. This cap applies to SEQ Employer Support, Youth Boost and Mature Aged Worker Boost payments and combinations of those payment types. Once a total of five initial payment applications have been approved, no further initial payment applications can be accepted.

ENDS

Media Contact:        Inga Williams                        0410 769 711