Youth Boost…how does it affect you?

If you’re thinking of hiring a new employee before 30 June 2018, then you should consider the Queensland Governments Youth Boost incentive for employers program.

The program is aimed to provide support and incentives for employers who hire young unemployed jobseekers in the South East Queensland region.

What’s on offer?

The state government will provide funding of $20,000 to eligible employers for eligible employees for the full time employment of jobseekers between 15 to 24 years of age.  The incentive is paid over a 12-month period in 3 parts (subject to approval of the employers application).

The first payment (of $6,000) is payable after 4 weeks of continuous employment by the eligible employee.  The second payment (of $7,000) is receivable after 26 weeks of continuous employment by the eligible employee.  The final payment of ($7,000) is receivable after 52 weeks of continuous employment by the eligible employee.

Are you eligible?

For an employer to be eligible for the incentive, the employee must:

  • be a permanent resident of Australia
  • be unemployed for at least 4 weeks directly prior to commencing employment with the employer
  • not have worked for the employer in the last 12 months prior to commencing employment with the employer
  • not be a full time student
  • not have displaced an existing worker
  • be over the age of 15 years and below the age of 25 years on the date they commence employment with the eligible employer.

Other conditions?

An eligible employer can claim up to a maximum of 5 Youth Boost incentives under this government initiative.

Eligible part time jobs that offer between 20 to 35 hours of work per week are able to receive 75% of the full Youth Boost payment (over a 12 month period).

If you’re thinking of hiring a new employee this year and they’re aged between 15 and 25, the above may give your business the incentive to do so before 30 June 2018.