How JobKeeper recipients can get more than $1,500 a fortnight – Yahoo Finance Australia

A business lobby group has reminded Australians on JobKeeper payments that they can actually receive more than $1,500 a fortnight.
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia suspects that many of the 3.5 million workers on JobKeeper payments don’t realise they can get another job to boost their income.
As long as they retain employment with the JobKeeper employer, they can legally pocket both the government payments and the extra income.
And despite what people might think of the job market, there are businesses that are currently struggling to fill vacant positions.
“Not every business out there is losing money some are doing well but many cant find the staff they need,” said COSBOA chief Peter Strong.
“There are small businesses out there that need staff, including service stations, cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels.”
Another advantage of looking for a job now is that workers can avoid the rush in September when JobKeeper ends and thousands or millions look for new positions.
“There are still some jobs available right now but there will be a lot of competition once everyone starts applying for them at the same time, maybe even all on the same day,” Strong said.
“If you start looking now you can avoid being part of that competition.”
COSBOA is lobbying the government for JobSeeker’s ongoing rate to be at least $100 a week more than the old Newstart, but preferably $200.
“We want people to be in the right headspace to look for a job or get training and they wont be if theyre worrying about basic living expenses.”
But that will not matter to Australians who land a job now.
“The message we want to get out is the earlier you start looking for a job, the better off youll be at the end of September,” said Strong.
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