Tom Neville
Question:654. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 14 November 2017, the status of the matter. [7319/18]
View answerTuesday, 13 February 2018
Questions (654)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed, including those working part time to secure and sustain full-time paid employment.
The person in question was referred to the JobPath programme in July 2017 and agreed a personal progression plan in August 2017 and has attended a number of appointments and workshops over the past 6 months in her search for suitable full time work.
I am advised by my officials that all appointments have been scheduled to take account of her work commitments when known, and where she has not been in a position to inform her JobPath office in advance regarding a day of employment, her appointments have been rescheduled to ensure she is able to get the full benefit of the JobPath service.
In the case of this person and all those who are underemployed with part time jobs, the focus of the service will be on options or opportunities to increase the level of employment either in their current role or in other areas, this may also involve some training, but could provide a more sustainable income and a move away from jobseekers payments. Therefore it is important that people referred to the service continue to engage with the JobPath provider.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.