More targeted resources needed for people with severe employability problems

18 May 2001

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed has welcomed the report from the ESRI on measuring 'employability'. The report defines those with severe employability difficulties, as those for whom none of the current labour market interventions are appropriate. It cites this number as approximately 10-15% of those on the Live Register, however it points out that this does not include those with literacy difficulties. The report relies in the main on the Employment Action Plan (EAP) for the levels of those with severe difficulties.

"The EAP does not engage with people who are long-term unemployed an any attempt to gauge those with severe difficulties based on this measurement must be treated with caution." said Tony Monks, INOU General Secretary.

" The majority of people on the Live Register, if given the correct supports and training, will be successful in getting back to work. There are many however, for whom current education and training programmes are not sufficient and Government must intervene to help these people with specific targeting of resources. The ESRI further confirms this." said Tony Monks, INOU General Secretary.

The report highlights childcare, education and transport as major factors affecting people's ability to get work.
* 28% of respondents (Table 3.16 ESRI report) cited lack of access to childcare as the major contribution to their inability to take up work.
* 54% of long-term unemployed and 34% of short-term unemployed had only primary education level or less.(Galway Live Register, 2000.)
* At least 34% of the long-term unemployed and 15% of the short-term unemployed has literacy difficulties. (Galway Live Register, 2000.)
* 51% of rural long term unemployed had no car and no access to public transport (Galway Live Register, 2000.)

The INOU agreed with the ESRI that more research was necessary to identify those with severe employability problems, and to assess the needs of those with less severe barriers to work.

"The ESRI recommendation to further extend the EAP must be considered once a more thorough analysis of the programme is available. FAS currently places approximately 13% of those referred through the EAP directly into work, and is unable to provide any positive intervention for 10-15%.

"It is very clear from this report that investment in infrastructure such as childcare and transport, as well as in the skills and education of unemployed people is necessary for full employment." concluded Mr. Monks.

ENDS
For further information contact:
Tony Monks, General Secretary
087 249 6066 / 01 856 0088
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer
087 61 67689 / 01 856 0088