Handouts appeal

JOBLESS Aussies are turning down shifts to stay on the inflated JobSeeker payment, with at least one Queensland wag telling their boss they won’t be back to work until late September when the tap turns off.

Industry groups have reported some businesses are finding it difficult to get staff to come back as the economy slowly restarts, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison also highlighting the issue as some workers prefer to stay on the $1115 a fortnight payment.

It’s a small number of casual workers, particularly in tourism, restaurant, cafe and other hospitality jobs who are said to have turned their noses up at returning to work.

Mr Morrison gave the strongest indication yet JobSeeker will be substantially cut back after the September 24 end date for the coronavirus supplement, as the Government considers the next phase of recovery.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland senior industrial relations specialist Robert Hall-Bowman said businesses were reporting instances of casuals refusing shifts.

“Some are saying they won’t be available for a lengthy period of time. One said until the end of September, in the most extreme example,” Mr Hall-Bowman said.

Mr Hall-Bowman called for greater differences between JobKeeper and JobSeeker payment amounts. JobSeeker pays $1115 a fortnight, up from $565, while JobKeeper is $1500 a fortnight.

Mr Morrison confirmed there would by a “next phase” of JobKeeper wage subsidies.