The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging local employers to access the updated Back to Work scheme and hire unemployed workers in Werribee.

The Back to Work Scheme, which is a capped two-year $100 million fund, has been further boosted with a significant increase to the payments to employers to assist with hiring and training of young unemployed and retrenched workers (up to $5000) and for the long term unemployed (up to $12,000).

Employers can also receive payments of up to $4000 where they provide accredited training to the new employee. This will be in addition to any other payment received under the scheme.

The Andrews Government has made changes in response to feedback from industry and employers including the VECCI, who endorsed the policy saying Back to Work, “will provide a much needed and lasting boost to Victorian business.”

Local Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP welcomed the huge commitment to supporting jobs and training in Victoria.

A new $20 million Reconnect Program will also help address the drop in early school leavers taking up training, and will provide Back to Work participants with fee relief and VTG exemptions.

The Government is also ensuring that Victorians who find it harder to get their foot in the door are able to get a job. The eligible employee categories will be expanded to include specific provisions relating to sole parent pensioners, disability pensioners, aboriginal unemployed, drought affected farm households and refugees.

The Labor Government hasn’t wasted a second in getting Victoria back to work. More than 73,000 new jobs have been created since we were elected and unemployment has fallen to 5.6%.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP

“While unemployment has fallen considerably under this Government, we still have work to do to ensure that jobs are available and trained people are ready to fill them.”

“Businesses should be strongly considering whether they can use this scheme to give a chance to a young or long term unemployed worker in their area”

“We’re helping people in Werribee to get the skills they need to find the job they want. That’s what will grow our economy, and it’s what we’re getting on with.”

“I have received correspondence from a number of locals in Werribee and I am aware of how difficult it can be to find secure employment, especially as a young or long term unemployed person.”