Businesses across Ballarat and region that hire a mature aged worker are being encouraged to take advantage of a $1000 jobs bonus.
Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said applications are now open for the new $1000 Experience+ Jobs Bonus – part of the part of the Gillard Government’s commitment to increasing mature age participation in the workforce.
“The Experience+ Jobs Bonus is a key part of the Government’s $55.3 million investment to help mature age workers find and keep work, and to address negative attitudes towards mature age people,” Ms King said.
“I know that there are many mature aged people in our local community who are looking to get into work but are faced with barriers.
“That’s why we’ve put in place new incentives to break down those barriers and encourage businesses to see mature age workers as valuable additions to their workforce.”
There are 2500 Jobs Bonuses of $1000 each available every financial year until 2016, and any business can apply no matter how big or small.
“I encourage local businesses to get involved, and experience the many benefits that employing older Australians can bring.”
Employers can now log onto www.deewr.gov.au/JobsBonus and apply for a Jobs Bonus in a few easy steps.
They are eligible if they provide ongoing employment opportunities to job seekers aged 50 years and over who are registered to look for work with a Job Services Australia provider.
More information about the Experience+ Jobs Bonus and other mature-age initiatives is available at www.deewr.gov.au/experienceplus, or by calling the DEEWR Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.