Time to hire runs out on February 28

FAR North businesses have until the end of the month to apply for the State Government’s youth boost grant.

The program allows eligible regional businesses to receive $20,000 for every person they hire aged between 15 and 24.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt launched a new advertising campaign promoting the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Back to Work package.

Figures released this week show 231 people have been hired through the youth boost program since it started late last year.

In the Far North, 375 people have been employed through the Back to Work package.

Mr Pitt said a separate incentive for Queensland businesses to employ apprentices and trainees through a payroll tax rebate is also available.

“The doubling of the rebate for hiring apprentices and trainees makes Queensland’s payroll tax system even more attractive,” he said.

Businesses can visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information about Back to Work, or to apply for an employer support payment, including the $20,000 Youth Boost payment.