Pensioners incentivised to ‘pick up the tools again’ across key industries

Pensioners and retirees are being incentivised to ‘pick up the tools again’ to help tackle severe shortages. Find out which industries are calling out for pensioners to take up jobs >>>

Tasmanian pensioners and retirees are being urged to “pick up the tools again” and take up jobs to tackle severe shortages in key industries including tourism.

As part of the federal government’s two-day jobs summit Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced aged and veteran pensioners will be able to earn an extra $4000 without impacting their pensions.

The Tourism Industry Council, Council on the Ageing and Tasmanian Hospitality Association all applauded the move and if it’s successful want it extended beyond the end of this financial year.

Tasmanian pensioners and retirees are being urged to ‘pick up the tools again’ and take up jobs to tackle severe shortages in key industries.

TICT chief Luke Martin said he hoped pensioners would take up the “unprecedented opportunity to earn a few extra dollars this summer”.

“We have jobs coming out our ears because every business is crying out for staff and we know locals want to help out and relieve the pressure,” he said.

“Some might work one shift a week but haven’t been able to do more because it affects their pension.

“Often these people are local former employees who have critical skills such as coach drivers, or chefs, and want to help out, but it’s just not worth putting their retirement incomes at risk for a few extra shifts.

“Hopefully this will encourage older Tasmanians to pick up the tools again and help fill urgent gaps across our visitor economy this peak season.”

COTA chief executive Sue Leitch said she hoped if the initiative worked it could be extended beyond next year.

COTA Chief Executive Officer, Sue Leitch with the program for Seniors Week.

“There are clearly shortages in aged care and disability and tourism and this will be a big benefit,” she said.

“There are a lot of people who would like to work more and keep their hand in or just help out but it gets complicated when they have to report any extra earnings.”

Ms Leitch said while it was “great it’s on the table” it would limit opportunities for employers who wanted to employ pensioners for longer term projects.

THA boss Steve Old was fully supportive of getting people “back into the workforce without them losing any benefits they are entitled to”.

“Like many industries, hospitality is struggling to get enough staff across the board so we are fully supportive of these changes made by the federal government at the jobs and skills summit.

“When it comes to pensioners and retirees, they have such a wealth of knowledge that can be passed down to the younger generations and hospitality is perfect for people looking for a bit of extra income, given the flexibility the sector provides with hours and different roles.”