<h1>Government scheme offers wage subsidies to employers hiring first-time job seekers, reducing unemployment barriers</h1> A government employment scheme provides financial incentives to employers hiring first-time job seekers, addressing barriers such as perceived low productivity and associated costs like job search, transportation, and housing. Employers receive wage-based subsidies for up to two years across sectors and up to four years in manufacturing. The scheme aims to reduce unemployment rates among new entrants to the workforce, which are significantly higher than the national average. The enrollment process utilizes biometric authentication and direct benefit transfers to facilitate participation. Industry stakeholders are engaged to integrate the scheme's benefits with organizational development strategies.