Jobfind's Employer Challenge!

Bondi, May 2004 - Leading job network provider Jobfind Centres in Bondi is challenging employers to give mature-age job seekers a 'fair go' by helping them get back into the workforce.

According to centre manager of Jobfind Centres in Bondi, Phyllis Northwood , the business case for hiring a mature-age employee is very strong as employers gain a quality candidate with an established work ethic whose experience, knowledge and know-how make a great contribution to the workplace environment.

"Mature-age workers are some of the most reliable, patient and best communicators around. Dollar values can't be placed on life skills, but in a work environment, these qualities make a genuine difference in the way businesses are run", says Mrs Northwood.

"Many mature-age job seekers find themselves unemployed due to downsizing or redundancy and have reached an age considered mature by the employment market. Many employers may think that older people are more expensive to hire but under all awards a 21 year old is on the same pay as a mature aged person.

"Quite often, people as young as 45 are overlooked in favour of younger candidates, which is particularly alarming given that the government is looking to extend the retirement age for Australian workers by another 20 to 30 years", says Mrs Northwood.

To ease the cost burden of hiring a new staff member, employers who hire a mature-age person from Jobfind can be eligible for up to $4000 in training or wage subsidies through Jobfind's E mployer Assistance Program .

As part of the Federal Government's job network, Jobfind Centres is able to assist employers before and after they hire a job seeker from Jobfind Centres and can include assistance in the form of:

•  Staff training expenses

•  Wage assistance or subsidies

•  Tools, equipment, uniforms

•  Workplace modifications

•  Licences and tickets, qualifications

" Jobfind is always looking for innovative ways to help employers save time and money when recruiting and training new staff", says Jobfind Centres Employment Services Consultant, Anthony Arevalo .

"This program is a great vehicle for the projected 7000 jobs that the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) have set as a target to achieve during the job drive towards encouraging Employers to employ mature-age workers", says Mr Arevalo.

According to employment figures from DEWR, there are currently 70,000 mature-age job seekers registered in the Job Network and employers across Australia are being urged to do their businesses a favour and give mature age job seekers a "fair go".

Contact information:
info@jobfindcentre.com.au