NJ Adds Financial Incentive to Encourage People to Find Work

In an effort to ease unemployment, New Jersey will offer a $500 bonus for unemployed people reentering the workforce and going through job training at businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

The state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development new “Return and Earn” program will reimburse employers up to 50% of the wages paid for hiring applicants with skill gaps and for providing them with training for a full time position. The reimbursement can extend for up to six months, with a cap of $10,000 per employee and a total limit of $40,000. The program will be funded by $10 million from the American Rescue Act.

Employees returning to the workforce would also be eligible for childcare and transportation reimbursement. The program is intended to bolster small businesses, return people to the workplace, and encourage the state’s economic recovery.

Throughout this pandemic, I have heard much about the issues facing small businesses and the dedicated, hard-working men and women who enable their success,” said Governor Phil Murphy in a statement. “Our Administration is committed to assist businesses in hiring workers, while providing benefits to those entering and re-entering the workforce that will set them up for success in their new jobs and their future careers. This program will help both businesses and their workers, and is yet another step that we have taken to boost our economy.”

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smarcus@hamodia.com