(NDG Wire) Texas employers can receive monetary incentives for hiring unemployed workers under a two-year, $15 million program promoted by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and funded by the Legislature last session. Texas Back to Work offers employers subsidized-wage reimbursement, retention bonuses and other incentives for hiring qualified out-of-work Texans, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced last week.
“Texas employers are standing strong during tough economic times. Businesses, small and large, can earn Texas Back to Work incentives to expand their operations and offer new opportunities to unemployed Texans,” said Lt. Gov. Dewhurst.
Texas Back to Work is available to employers through the 28 Texas local workforce development boards, which also provide employers with workforce recruitment assistance, pre-screening of qualified applicants and training programs. More than 1.8 million customers were served in more than 240 workforce centers across Texas last year.
“We will help people get back to work by helping employers defray part of the cost of wages and on-the-job training,” said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken.
Through the new program, some employers who hire people receiving unemployment benefits can receive a portion of the new employees’ wages for a set period of time. Another possible incentive would provide employers with up to $1,500 in wage-retention bonuses if they continue to employ the formerly out-of-work employees for at least 120 days.
“Valuable programs like Texas Back to Work exemplify the progressive vision of our leaders and make Texas a great place to do business,” said Will Newton, Texas Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business.
Employers interested in participating should contact their local workforce development boards to learn about all options available in their areas and to help put Texas Back to Work. Employers also are encouraged to take advantage of WorkInTexas.com, TWC’s online job matching Web site where more than 250,000 employers already are registered to post job openings and find great employees. Local workforce board contact information can be found on the TWC Web site at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdbs/wdbmap.html or by calling 512-463-8556.
Currently traveling between Miami and Florida, reading this on my Iphone. Will read it in full when I get back, and I will also post a backlink on my website. Thanks.