The benefits of engaging mature age workers should not be underestimated. In addition to gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge, a level of maturity and some of the most reliable and loyal workers available, the Government offers employers incentive bonuses to employers who take on mature age applicants.

JobActive Restart is a Government funded scheme available to employers who employ and retain mature age job seekers aged 50 years and over.

The incentive scheme, which replaces the ‘Experience + Jobs Bonus’ scheme aims to subsidise employment for mature age workers with significant experience in the workforce. Up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) can be provided to employers who genuinely provide ongoing employment to mature aged workers.

How does it work?

Once the relevant criteria are met, employers will receive up to $6,500 (GST inclusive) over 12 months. Pro-rata payments starting from $3,250 (GST inclusive) are available for part-time work between 15-29 hours per week.

A bonus payment up to $3500 (GST inclusive) is also available if the employment lasts 12 months.

Employers hiring 10 or more mature aged workers can elect to bundle the Restart Wage Subsidy Agreements and negotiate upfront, lump sum payments to ease the burden of hiring multiple staff.

What are the Requirements?

In order to access the Jobs Bonus, the following criteria must be met:

• The worker must be 50 years or older at the commencement of work with the employer
• The worker must have been on income support for six months or more
• The business must be a legal entity with an Australian Business Number
• The worker must have been on income support for six months or more
• The worker must be employed on a genuine and ongoing basis in either a full-time or part-time capacity
• The worker must be engaged for a minimum of 15 hours of work per week
• The employer must comply with the minimum employment standards for the role. The worker must be employed under a legal industrial instrument that meets the minimum standards under Commonwealth, State or Territory Law (i.e. an industrial Award, Agreement or Common Law contract)
• The employee cannot be employed under a sub-contracting, self-employed or commission basis.
•  The employee cannot be an immediate family member
• The employer cannot claim more than one Restart subsidy payment for the same employee.

Apprenticeships and traineeships may also be eligible for a Restart subsidy payment.

How to apply for the subsidy

In order to apply for the Restart subsidy, employers should contact their local JobActive, Disability Employment Service or Community Development Programme provider. Applications should be made to an employment services provider within 28 days of employing a job seeker to complete the application process for the wage subsidy.

Further Resources

For further information please go to jobactive.gov.au or contact the Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or email [email protected].