The Coalition Government has agreed its first partnerships under the innovative Stronger Transitions package, partnering with two Melbourne businesses to deliver training and support to workers before retrenchment, helping them to move to new jobs sooner.
Earlier this year, both Bitzer and Dunlop Flooring separately announced they would be ending their operations in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine.
The Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said the collaborations are great examples of how the Government is helping small businesses and their employees during periods of structural adjustment.
"Under this innovative program, the Government is working directly with companies like Bitzer and Dunlop Flooring to get retrenched workers back on the path to employment," Minister O’Dwyer said.
Support packages have been tailored for employees at each business. Workers will receive comprehensive skills assessments, assistance to prepare and plan for their next job, and up to $750 per employee for training to assist with their transition.
"Stronger Transitions is encouraging businesses, including smaller business, to do all they can to support workers impacted by structural change to stay in the labour market.
"I’m pleased that by participating in Stronger Transitions, Bitzer and Dunlop Flooring are demonstrating their social responsibility to their workers in Sunshine, which will have a positive flow-on effect to the workers’ families and the community.
"I want to encourage other businesses which may be facing structural change to find out about the Stronger Transitions package and see if they, too, can partner with Government to make sure their workers are looked after during times of major change," Minister O’Dwyer concluded.
The $10.3 million Stronger Transitions package commenced on 1 July 2018 to support workers in industries and regions especially impacted by structural change. The program operates in five regions across Australia—Adelaide, Mandurah, North/North-West Tasmania, Melbourne North/West and North Queensland.
To find out more about Stronger Transitions visit www.jobs.gov.au/stronger-transitions
