Employers in the Bundaberg Region may now be able to start claiming up to $20,000 under the $140 million revitalised Back to Work program.
The State Government program, which offers incentive payments to employers that take on disadvantaged job seekers, has already helped more than 1700 people in the Bundaberg Region into work.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said that applications for initial payments to employers were now open.
“Investing in skills and backing small business are at the heart of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan because we believe wherever you are in Queensland, you deserve the chance to get a good job,” Minister Farmer said.
“Since 2016, the Back to Work program has seen more than 25,800 people get into work because of the assistance provided to more than 12,100 employers.
“Employers can make their application for an initial payment if they have employed someone permanently for at least four weeks. As we launched the revitalised program on July 1, some employers will be able to start applying now.”
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the Back to Work program had made a big difference in the region.
“Since 2016 over $18.4 million has helped more than 1700 people get jobs with 700 businesses here in Bundaberg,” Mr Smith said.
“There are Back to Work support payments of up to $15,000 to businesses who employ an eligible job seeker including the long term unemployed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those with a disability.”
A $20,000 Youth Boost payment is also available to help young people in the region get into work.
Mr Smith said Back to Work provided employers with incentive payments, but also access to fantastic on the ground support for employers and disadvantaged job seekers.
“We fund these job creating initiatives not only because they provide vital career opportunities to Queenslanders, but because they help small businesses too.
“Over 80% of employers benefiting from Back to Work are small businesses,” he said.
“Initial payment applications must be received within 12 weeks of the employee completing four weeks of continuous employment, so if you’ve hit that milestone already now’s the time to get your application in!”
The application cap on employers reset to zero on 1 July 2021. This means an eligible employer who utilised the previous program may make a further four applications under the revitalised Back to Work program.
Further payments can be applied for after 26 weeks and 52 weeks of continuous employment.
For more information about the program visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork
