Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis, in collaboration with the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has written to over 7500 employers to urge them to better recruit and retain mature age workers.
Employers have received a tool-kit providing tips on better recruitment and retention strategies and an invitation to sign-on to a new Employment Charter, which is a call-to-action for employers, encouraging them to recruit the best, regardless of age.Ms Ellis said this will help identify corporate champions, who are leading the way in the employment of mature age workers.“The Investing in Experience Tool Kit has been developed in partnership with Australian Industry Group and in consultation with employers,” Ms Ellis said.
“The Kit provides a step-by-step guide, delivered as a book and handy USB that will help employers make the changes needed to recruit and retain mature age workers.
“The Charter is about encouraging investment in the transfer of knowledge and skills between generations, and the development of policies and procedures that are known to extend the working life of valued employees,” Ms Ellis said.
Ms Ellis said the employers have received the new Investing in Experience Employment Charter, which outlines nine better practice principles to help them create positive change.
Employers who take up the challenge of implementing the Charter may be able to access more than $70 million in government support through the Experience+ program.
Employers can also access training grants of $4950, if they have eligible mature age workers, who mentor or supervise Australian Apprentices or Trainees.
Other measures include free career counselling for mature age staff, face-to-face support and training for mature age workers with health conditions, and help and training to redeploy mature age workers to less physically demanding roles.
The initiative forms part of the important work of the Government’s Consultative Forum on Mature Age Participation, and complements the work of Australia’s first dedicated Age Discrimination Commissioner.