Payments to hire mature workers: Abbott September 4, 2013 - 11:40AM Bosses would be paid to hire workers aged 50 years or over under a federal coalition government. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has proposed a new seniors employment incentive payment of $3,250 to employers who hire a mature age worker and keep them on for at least six months. "In some circumstances, employers express a preference to give job opportunities to younger workers because of a mistaken belief older worker won't contribute as much, notwithstanding the experience and skill levels of older workers," Mr Abbott said in a statement. The seniors employment incentive payment is designed to help overcome the initial reluctance of some employers to appoint older jobseekers. The plan complements other coalition proposals to get people into work. These include a job commitment bonus payment of $2400 to the long-term unemployed if they stay off welfare for one year. Mr Abbott earlier in the election campaign announced a special measure for Tasmania, under which employers get subsidies for giving full-time jobs to people who have been out of work for six months or more. Mr Abbott said his seniors incentive measure would also help boost productivity in Australia. "More than ever, the potential exists for more mature age workers to participate in the workplace," he said.