State's 'double-win' program helps single parents and eligible employers
This week, the Victorian government announced the launch of an expanded wage subsidy scheme that would help single parents get back into the workforce. The government said it also hopes that the program would address labour shortages across the state.
Premier Daniel Andrews said that through the Jobs Victoria Fund wage subsidy scheme, the government would give eligible businesses up to $20,000 if they hire an unemployed or underemployed single parent.
According to a report, there are more than 250,000 single parents in Victoria and around 80 per cent are women. “They all face more challenges than most heading back to work or increasing their hours, often carrying the lion’s share of caregiving,” Andrews said in a media release.
“A job means more than just a pay cheque – it also means security, stability and a chance to build a life with those you love – and this pandemic has robbed too many single parents of that opportunity."
“Single parents work incredibly hard to provide for their families, and that’s why we’re doing what we can to help make things like finding a job that little bit easier,” Andrews added.
Meanwhile, the state’s Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford called it a “double-win” as the government targets to resolve the state-wide labour shortages. “This program is a double-win, it’s not only encouraging single parents to get back into the workforce it’s also supporting businesses looking for dedicated staff, particularly in areas facing skills shortages,” Pulford said.
Andrews told the press that Jobs Victoria Fund has already helped create almost 4,000 jobs for people disadvantaged by the pandemic and looking for work, including women over 45, young people under 25, Aboriginal Victorians, people with disability, long-term unemployed, and veterans. “More than 62 per cent of these jobs have been taken up by women,” he said.
According to the Premier’s office, the Fund is available to support eligible businesses with an annual payroll of under $40 million that are offering secure full-time or part-time roles. Positions must run for at least 12 months and pay fair wages at or above the award or site rate.
