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

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 Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, 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%.