Vol. 504 No. 5
31 Mr. Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, which have taken place for employers participating in the Workplace scheme whereby employers are assisted in employing people by being paid an allowance; the amount of the allowance; the amount per annum being paid out; the number of people being employed under that scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12252/99]
82 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes, if any, which have taken place for employers participating in the Workplace scheme whereby they are assisted in employing people by being paid an allowance; the amount of the allow ance; the amount per annum paid out; the number of people employed under that scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12347/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 82 together.
The objective of Workplace is to bring together jobseekers unemployed for six months or more and employers for a trial period of up to six weeks with no strings attached on either side. For the jobseeker, Workplace provides an opportunity for practical work experience and the possibility of being offered a job at the end of the trial period. For the employer, Workplace is an opportunity to determine if a prospective employee is suitable for the vacancy in question.
During the trial period an unemployed person retains his or her previous social welfare entitlement and status and receives an additional weekly flat rate payment.
The number of participants on the Workplace programme in 1998 was 1,500. The number of available places for 1999 is set at 3,000. With effect from 22 April the weekly flat rate top-up was increased from £15 to £25 to encourage greater take up of the scheme. The 1999 Estimates provision for the scheme is £0.5 million.
