Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg have spoken today in regards to new changes to JobKeeper and JobSeeker. With both set to stay in place for the coming months. It confirms some rumours that were floating around over the past 24 hours.
For those of you currently on JobKeeper, the fortnightly fee will drop from $1500 per fortnight to $1200 per fortnight. And the business being paid that amount, will need to re-test after September 2020 to prove their revenue has dropped significantly.
But bad news for you casuals and part time workers out there – if you work under 20 hours per week, you’ll only get $750 per fortnight. However, you’re still able to work other jobs/shifts as per normal on top of getting that supplement.
It was reported that casuals were overpaid by around $6 million in the initial burst of JobKeeper (YIKES).
Breaking: JobSeeker changes – COVID supplement will be cut to $250 (down from $550) til the end of the year, Morrison announces
Mutual obligations turned back on in August, people need to look for jobs. Assets test turned back on in September
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) July 21, 2020
JobKeeper and JobSeeker to both be reduced by $300/fortnight in September.
— Christopher Moir (@chrisjmoir) July 21, 2020
For JobSeeker, the COVD supplement will drop to $250 and it means you’ll roughly earn $800-$810 per fortnight. You’ll also need to start showing proof that you’re applying for jobs – which was pretty common under the previously-named Newstart.
You’ll need to show that you’re applying for at least four jobs per month, and you’ll also face penalties if you refuse a job.
JobSeeker (first phase)
– Income free area increased to $300 (a fortnight)
– COVID supplement down to $250
– From 4th August – requirement of 4 job searches a month – penalties for refusing a job— Jakob (@JakobCobby) July 21, 2020
It’ll certainly be welcome news for a lot of people out there, and will no doubt provide some form of certainty.
Image Source: Scott Morrison Facebook Page