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The Government warned that some jobs will be permanently lost because of the pandemic, as it vowed to get 75,000 long-term unemployed people into work over the next two years.<\/p>\nThe Government warned that some jobs will be permanently lost because of the pandemic, as it vowed to get 75,000 long-term unemployed people into work over the next two years.<\/p>\n
The plan includes a target of cutting youth unemployment from its current rate of 44 per cent to 12.5 per cent by 2023.<\/p>\n
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that, while everyone\u2019s route to a job is not the same, the Pathways To Work plan aims to give people the skills and confidence to get back into employment.<\/p>\n
The plan, unveiled by Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin in Dundalk, includes the provision of 50,000 further education and training places, 10,000 apprenticeships roles, and the ring-fencing of 1,000 places on the Community Employment and T\u00fas programs.<\/p>\n
It also includes recruitment subsidies of between \u20ac7,500 and \u20ac10,000 for employers who take people off the live register.<\/p>\n
It aims to provide 10,000 paid work placements, 4,000 of which will be reserved for young people.<\/p>\n
Participants on the scheme will be paid \u20ac306 per week with additional amounts payable in respect of dependent adults or children.<\/p>\n
People claiming unemployment welfare will be offered \u20ac1,000 to take part in a training program.<\/p>\n
Every unemployed person will be assigned a case officer who will engage with them to help work out what suits their needs.<\/p>\n
The plan includes 83 commitments from across Government departments.<\/p>\n
Ms Humphreys said that, as further restrictions are eased, the number of people claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) will continue to fall over the coming weeks and months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is, however, that the journey back to employment will not be the same for all,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately some jobs will be permanently lost as a result of the pandemic. <\/p>\n
\u201cThrough Pathways To Work, the Government\u2019s focus is on ensuring those people get the help and the support that they need to return to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, we have set an ambitious target to have over 2.5 million people in employment by 2024 as new jobs are created.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to ensure that people who are currently unemployed have the training, skills and, most importantly, the confidence to take on these new roles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know from past-experience that, when economic recovery arises, it doesn\u2019t always move at the same pace for everybody.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also know that the longer a person remains unemployed, the harder it is to find a new job.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why, under Pathways, we have set an ambitious target to help 75,000 long-term unemployed into the workforce by 2023.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said the pandemic has \u201cstruck at every part of Ireland\u2019s society and economy\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the last 16 months, our people have been tested and we have shown truly extraordinary resilience, an amazing sense of solidarity, and the spirit of community that continues to inspire,\u201d Mr Martin added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe intention is that it does what it says on the tin.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe core purpose of this strategy is to help those whose employment has been impacted by Covid-19 alongside those who had lost jobs before the pandemic struck to prepare for and acquire good, secure employment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn doing so this strategy makes sure that Ireland\u2019s labor force is ready to respond to the future economic, societal and environmental challenges that we will face.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also sets out how recruitment subsidies would be used to help employers to hire new workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvestment in human capital is going to be critical to our recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n