An on-the-ground Transition Support Network assists workers in Whyalla and elsewhere, facing job loss to find new work as soon as possible. The network is made up of representatives from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations national, state and territory offices and Job Coordinators.
Working closely with Services Australia and state and territory governments, the network also helps employers through the retrenchment process, including how they can meet their obligations and provide their workers with the support they need.
Workers facing job loss and employers who would like information about support available, can call the Employment Services Information Line on 1800 805 260 or retrenchment@dewr.gov.au.
Access to employment services and programs
Retrenched workers and their eligible partners have immediate access to tailored employment services and programs under the Early Access initiative.
Eligible workers and their partners can directly register with a Workforce Australia Provider up to three months before their retrenchment date and up to six months after their retrenchment, and; do not need to be receiving income support or have a Centrelink referral.
Workforce Australia Employment Services Providers can provide you with information about job opportunities in your area and help you find a new job as soon as possible.
Support from a Provider may include:
- an initial, face to face interview to explain their services
- help with your résumé and job applications, interview skills and presentation techniques
- advice on searching for a job, various career options and employment programs
- information about job vacancies and access to job search facilities offered by Services Australia and Workforce Australia Employment Services Provider, including the Workforce Australia website
- local employment opportunities, advice about skills shortage areas and information about training opportunities and access to an interpreter if required.
More information is available at Employment services when facing retrenchment – Early Access initiative.
Assistance for workers facing job loss from OneSteel Manufacturing in Whyalla
The Whyalla Structural Adjustment Package (SAP) has been established to support workers and families affected by workforce changes resulting from the closure of the Whyalla Steelworks blast furnace in Whyalla, South Australia.
The package provides additional employment, training and transition support to help people move into new jobs, build new skills and stay connected to services during a period of change.
The program complements existing Australian Government services and provides extra local support where large-scale workforce impacts have occurred.
Affected workers and their partners can access practical assistance quickly to reduce the risk of long-term unemployment and support the Whyalla community.
There are a range of free programs and support in place to assist workers and communities affected by workforce disruptions and structural change.
Who can access support?
You may be able to access support if you:
- have been retrenched, including contractors, through either loss of contracted employment or substantial reduction of hours, from OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd or an eligible supply chain business.
- provide evidence of retrenchment that includes exit date, such as a retrenchment letter, separation certificate or other documentation confirmed by your employer.
- register with a Workforce Australia Employment Services Provider (Provider) within 6 months of your retrenchment date.
A partner of an affected worker may be eligible if they are:
- the current partner of a person retrenched from Whyalla Steelworks or an eligible supply chain business.
- legally married, in a registered relationship, or in a de facto relationship with the affected worker and be able to provide evidence of this relationship.
- able to provide evidence of their partner’s retrenchment that includes their exit date, such as a retrenchment letter, separation certificate or other documentation confirmed by the employer.
- registered with a Provider within six months of their retrenchment date.
You do not need to be eligible for income support (Centrelink) payments or have a referral to access support. Additional eligibility requirements may apply for some services and activities.
Register for support today
You and/or your partner can register for assistance by completing the form linked below and an Employment Services Consultant will contact you: Support for Whyalla Steelworks and supply chain workers.
The Redundancy Information Statement provides a guide for retrenched workers of their rights, entitlements and available support services.
The Statement has information for retrenched workers on:
- understanding their redundancy rights and entitlements
- where to find government assistance and resources
- the What’s Next?website for resources for retrenched workers and employers
- help available through the Workforce Australia Employment Services
- health and wellbeing advice services.
While voluntary, employers are encouraged to provide a copy of the Statement to all employees facing retrenchment. Download your copy of the Redundancy Information Statement.
Visit What’s Next? to explore supports, career options and practical information to help you navigate job loss. The website provides guidance on finding work, managing finances, accessing training and looking after your wellbeing during this transition.
Other support services
The Australian Government provides a range of free supports available to help workers affected by job loss. You don’t need to wait until you lose your job to get help.
Services Australia can assess your circumstances and help you understand what payments and services you may be eligible for.
Services Australia Phone 13 28 50
Services Australia Financial Information Service provides free, independent advice about redundancy payments, finances and Government support.
Financial Information Service (Services Australia)
Inclusive Employment Australia helps people with disability, injury or a health condition prepare for, find and keep employment.
Inclusive Employment Australia (Department of Social Services)
Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) is a legislative safety net for employees who have lost their job due to their employer’s liquidation or bankruptcy.
Fair Work Ombudsman can help you learn about what you’re entitled to if you’ve lost your job.
I’ve lost my job and I’m not sure what I’m entitled to (Fair Work Ombudsman)