Last week the Federal Government announced a $36.4 million package of measures to tackle age discrimination and encourage businesses to employ older workers.
Central to the scheme is a plan to pay a $1000 bonus to 10,000 employers who recruit and retain workers aged over 50 years old; they must remain employed for a minimum of three months.
The $10 million initiative will start from 1 July, 2012 and span a period of four years. It includes programs that provide support to employers who promote mature aged employment as well as add funds to career advice services and education.
Australian Industry Group said the package showed the government “clearly recognised the value that mature aged workers bring to the workplace” while the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the $1000 bonus would strengthen the case for employers to hire older workers.
Source: AAP