Victorian government urges businesses to ramp up recruitment efforts

More than 1,000 Victorian jobseekers who were in need of work because of coronavirus have found employment but the state government is calling on businesses to step up their recruitment.

People are seen queuing outside a Centrelink office in Brunswick, Melbourne. Source: AAP

The Victorian government is urging businesses to throw lifelines to workers who have recently lost their jobs due to the coronavirus crisis.

Almost 1,300 people have found employment through part of the state government's $1.7 billion economic survival package.

The coronavirus has thrown small businesses into crisis, with many owners sending workers home as customers vanish. Source: AAP

Jobs include 450 roles linked to the quarantine program for returning travellers, more than 60 people preparing care packages at FoodBank, and others working in government call centres.

More than 2,500 people are expected to have landed jobs through the program by the end of next week, but in excess of 50,000 individuals have registered for it.

So far, 30 businesses have expressed interest in being matched with displaced workers.

"There are lots of individuals who have registered but we really want businesses to sign up," Jobs Minister Martin Pakula told reporters on Wednesday.

Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula. Source: AAP

"We're asking businesses to think laterally. There is a huge pool of workers available now, many of whom are trained, many of whom we'll have to provide some training for."

The state government has so far refunded $384 million in payroll tax to about 17,000 businesses under its coronavirus measures, and will have paid $50 million in grants to 5000 businesses by Wednesday.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said the state's coronavirus cases were steadying but with increased testing more cases and deaths were inevitable.

Victoria recorded it's 12th death on Wednesday after a woman in her 80s died in hospital, bringing the state's total to 1,212.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

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