The ACTU has warned that the Morrison Government’s proposed JobMaker scheme would encourage employers to sack long-term full-time workers and replace them with part-time workers.
The program pays employers $200 a week for employing people under the age of 30, and $100 for hiring those aged 30-35, but does nothing to protect existing workers from being sacked and replaced with three workers for a third of the wage.
ACTU President Michele O’Neil:
“The JobMaker program is just an incentive for employers to get rid of experienced, older workers and bring on young people that are desperate for work, for a third of the price. This scheme will do nothing to address the growing problem of job insecurity. It’s actually creating three insecure jobs in place of one secure, decently paid full-time job.“
Meanwhile, the Australian Council of Social Service says last week’s decision to cut the current income of those living on the JobSeeker to a measly $3.57 a day was a heartless betrayal of millions.
We know many have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, and there are too few jobs to go around.
Australian Council of Social Service CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie:
“There is only one job available for every nine people looking and at $44 a day the Government’s announcement today is well under half the minimum wage.”
