SALEM, MA – Mayor Kimberley Driscoll has announced that the City of Salem and the MassHire North Shore Career Center are now offering hiring incentives to help fill openings in the local hospitality sector and aid in the recovery of Salem’s small businesses following the COVID pandemic recession.
Through the Salem Hospitality Employee Incentive Program, eligible persons who are hired between June 1st and July 23rd, and retain that job for a minimum 15 hours per week for a period of six weeks, can earn $400 in VISA gift cards. Qualified businesses include restaurants, hotels, attractions, and small retailers with fewer than 25 employees. An additional incentive of $400 in VISA gift cards can be earned for staying past October 31st.
“Salem’s small businesses are now open and ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Driscoll. “Many employers have openings to fill and the City of Salem and MassHire are happy to help encourage job seekers through these incentives. Our local economy is strong and we were fortunate to have no net loss in businesses last year. We even saw a decrease in our storefront vacancy rate to just 4%. Nearly two-thirds of residents who became unemployed last spring when the pandemic started are now employed again. Salem is vibrant and busy, with rapidly increasing levels of economic activity. The Hospitality Employee Incentive Program is intended to connect and inspire people to rejoin our local workforce and keep our economy growing.”
“Salem hospitality is world-renowned,” said Mary Sarris, director of the MassHire North Shore Career Center. “Please take this wonderful opportunity to join its reopening, receive great incentives, and enjoy employment opportunities during this exciting economic recovery. Many wonderful companies are hiring and want you to be part of their team!”
Eligibility is limited to the first 150 persons to enroll and prove their employment status. Persons that need help finding a job may contact MassHire at 978-825-7000 or stop in at 70 Washington Street, Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eligible persons who obtained a qualifying position between June 1 and July 23 may visit www.salem.com/incentives or www.salem.com/incentivos to enroll in the incentive program. Verification will be required. Some exclusions apply. Enrollment ends August 20, 2021.
This program is funded with Cares Act funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to assist income-eligible employees and small employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
