Woolworths won’t be using JobMaker hiring credits

Woolworths has said it will not be partaking in the Government’s recently announced JobMaker hiring credit scheme, which allows businesses to receive subsidies for hiring Australians aged 35 and under.

In a letter to team members seen by Inside Retail, supermarket CEO Brad Banducci and chief people officer Caryn Katsikogianis said that while the business supports the spirit of the initiative, it wouldn’t feel right to take advantage of it while trading has improved for the business due to the universal need for supermarkets.

“We believe our current circumstances – where we’re fortunate to be trading strongly, and are entering our usual business cycle of hiring for Christmas and Summer – requires us to be thoughtful in what government programs we access,” the memo said.

Woolworths went on to specify that, while it would be hiring people through the upcoming holiday period, it would be keeping its existing team as its #1 priority.

“This year has been incredibly challenging and we know there is strong appetite among our existing team members for more hours in these uncertain times,” the memo said.

“It’s another driver behind our decision. We’re absolutely committed to supporting our existing store team members with additional hours wherever possible during the upcoming Christmas and summer period.”

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.