No changes can be made to Community Employment (CE) without consultation with INOU and other social partners

22 May 2001

Responding to the OECD Economic Survey on Ireland, the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed have stated that any changes to CE, can only happen in consultation with the INOU and other social partners.

" The OECD report calls for a 'faster run down' in CE numbers than is currently agreed. The social partners have already agreed a reduction in CE numbers to 28,000 by 2003 with surplus resources being reallocated to the Social Economy Programme and other labour market interventions. The INOU would not agree to any reduction beyond that currently agreed." said Tony Monks, INOU General Secretary.

The OECD report refers to CE programmes as 'make-work programmes' which indicates a lack of understanding of the purpose and role of CE. Community Employment provides a valuable transition programme from welfare into the open labour market for the majority of participants. In some parts of the country, CE is the only work available to many unemployed people.

" The INOU are fully supportive of the OECD's call for an increased number of training places. We are particularly concerned that as the demand for low skilled work in Ireland falls, those currently unemployed and low skilled workers will have less chance to get the type of jobs that are being created.

"However it should not be an either/or situation. The skills training content of Community Employment is currently being upgraded, which the INOU warmly welcome. CE traditionally gave participants work experience, it is vital now that participants also get specific skills training. The INOU believes that CE still has a role to play in helping to create a full employment society."

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