[jill1972]

Hi there, my DH & I have a limousine business & we've had a driver bail on us. Because of how we get paid (which is thirty days), it's hard to employ a driver unless they could at least get paid a weekly fortnightly wage - completely understandable. Then someone suggested I contact centrelink as they can support employers who recruit over 50's which is pretty much the main age group in professional driving. I can't get through to centrelink it's been engaged all day. I'm just wondering if anyone out there is aware of the program if it exists & how it works??

TIA



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[anna_garny]

You'd probably need to contact a recruiting company about this - or the local small business support services in your area. They'd have the info, going directly to centrelink would likely get you a referral elsewhere.

[elizabethany]

I just had a quick look on the website, and all I could find was wage suppliments for indiginous employees, not older ones. There are incentives for apprenticeships for older people, but that won't work if you want them already qualified. Most of the info (and likely assistance) is on the employee end.

[Fat Amy]

I was just coming in here to ask the same question. One of our contractors mentioned a government payment of $1000 for each person employed over 50. However we've had no success in how to apply for the payment.

I might try the local recruitment agencies as PP suggested.

[ChunkyChook]

Give DEEWR a call, I vaguely remember touching on this during training when I worked in their call centre.

[Guest_bottle~rocket_*]

There is the Jobs Bonus which is a $1000 payment to businesses that employ a worker aged 50+. The payment is administered by DEEWR.

http://deewr.gov.au/experience-jobs-bonus

[Pooks*potters]

I think you should give your local job services provider a call and tell them what you need. They may be able to help with wage subsidies or the bonus as applicable. Good on you for considering giving an unemployed person a break. I wish more employers did the same.

[Sif]

Well, it's good to see employers are interested in this scheme, it's about time there was more support employing over 50s - my 53 year old Dh has been unemployed for three years and we're hoping this scheme with give him an opportunity to show his skills and abilities!