Employment Programmes play a crucial role

29 Mar 2010

The INOU welcomes the publication of 'Review of Labour Market Programmes' by ForFás at the request of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, the organisation queries the media coverage of this report and the description of 'Jobs Initiative' as a squandering of money.

"Access to labour market programmes for many people living in rural and disadvantage areas has been a vital lifeline for unemployed people," said Ann Fergus, Chairperson of the INOU. "Indeed they have been in many cases the only job option available," she noted.

In the ForFás report they noted the overall budget for 2008 and the numbers of people who completed their participation that year. However, it should be noted that the numbers of people participating on these programmes is considerably higher. For example, in January 2010 there were 1,380 participants on Jobs Initiative and 23,109 on Community Employment at an estimated cost of €417m or €17,028 per person.

"A key element is building up of people's confidence and re-engaging them in the labour market. In the current climate negative reporting of the programmes on which they are participating raises serious concerns for people that their course will be cut and that nothing will replace it," Ann concluded.

The INOU is keenly aware that challenges arise in people progressing from active labour market programmes into wider employment and these challenges are intensified at a time of significant job losses. However, these issues must be addressed constructively. Joined-up thinking across a range of education, training and employment providers is required to address barriers in the labour market. In particular to ensure that the learning and work experience undertaken in these programmes properly links into other types of employment.