When redundancy’s rollercoaster ride of emotions - shock, elation, hope, depression – is over, the key, suggests David Deans, is knowing which step to take next.

It may be, if redundancy happens, that you want to rethink your life, your priorities. Maybe do the things you’ve always wanted, spend more time with the family, move to paradise or set up that small business.

However, if you’re keen to get right back into the workforce, that essential next step is to register with Centrelink, even if you believe you’re not entitled to any benefits.

With the new federal budget measure reversing the social security means test on superannuation assets for people aged between 55 and age pension age (65 for males and 61.5 for females) you may be pleasantly surprised.

More importantly, Centrelink can point you in the right direction for a range of job finding services under the Job Network mantle.

One of the key points raised at a workshop on mature age employment held by the National Seniors Association at Parliament House recently was that many of the people needing help back into the workforce will never go into Centrelink.

Consequently they are not referred on to the Job Network and are unaware of the services on offer, and unless they can afford to use private employment agencies, may miss out on opportunities offered by the system.

Furthermore, without being registered as looking for work those people are not included in the national unemployment statistics.

Some Job Network services are available to people whether they receive social security payments or not.

The programs on offer range from matching skills and qualifications to the positions available, to increasingly specialised assistance to overcome the particular barriers facing candidates, and even help in establishing a small business.

Recognising that mature age workers need specialised assistance to get back into the workforce, the Government has allocated an $800 training credit for these workers to update their skills in areas such as information technology.

According to speakers at the discussion forum who had worked with mature clients, one of the most effective Job Network schemes, due to its specialised one-on-one approach, is the Intensive Assistance program.

Unfortunately, say the experts, people aged 50 plus can voluntarily exit from an Intensive Assistance program as a result of reduced reporting requirements.

Many do not persevere and fail to reap the full benefits of the program.

Also on offer is the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) which helps put business ideas into practice through training in small business management and business plan development. NEIS offers income support for 52 weeks, and business advice and mentor support for the first year of operations.

Great on the surface, NEIS with further investigation is controversial in that it is only available to people with 'eligible’ new small business ideas who receive 'eligible’ income support allowances.

Australians are being sent mixed messages.

On the one hand they are encouraged to save for retirement yet are excluded from this level of support in the event of unexpected redundancy if they have accumulated retirement savings or assets.

Whatever your next step after redundancy it is important to stay positive, because, confusing as it may seem, there is a network of support out there.

It is true that employers must change their perceptions of older workers – after all there is clear evidence that age often forms the basis of recruitment criteria – but unfortunately many mature age workers start to buy into the stereotypes.

According to employment agencies it is often a matter of rebuilding self esteem.

Work Directions Australia advocates a more holistic approach to seeking employment by encouraging physical activity, more positive and focussed attitudes, and better social interaction.

In particular, the importance of networking to target the informal job market can not be overstated.

Redundancy does present a new chapter in life, so prepare for transitions in career and lifestyle. Face the challenge; it could be difficult but it may be exciting.

Take that holistic approach whether you choose to re-enter the workforce or not and remember, we’re a lucky country – there are services available - and you are not alone.

National Seniors Association continues to lobby to improve the situation.

National Seniors Association head office Ph. (07) 3211 9611. See contact section (page XX) for state offices.Website: www.nationalseniors.com.au

David Deans is CEO of the National Seniors Association.

These articles and many more, are in the current
(14^th edition) of Your Retirement, Your Life.

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