As the Deputy will be aware JobPath is a case management service that provides employment counselling and advice to long-term unemployed jobseekers with a view to improving their prospects of securing sustained employment. It complements the case management services provided directly by the Department's own staff via Intreo and via other contracted providers such as the Local Employment Service.
Client participation on JobPath is for one year and is mandatory for all clients selected by the Department.
As in this case, long-term jobseekers that may have left the live register to go into employment for less than a year are still considered to be long-term if they reopen their claim within that period and are eligible for selection for activation services including JobPath.
Should a client secure and start employment during their time with the service, the service provider is contractually obliged to offer each client “In-Employment” support and this can be tailored to suit an individual’s requirements. This support is offered for up to twelve months while an individual is in employment. A person is not under any obligation to avail of this support or to provide employment or employer details to the JobPath provider but, if they wish to do so all information will be treated confidentially.
JobPath is not a placement service and there are no barriers to the way by which jobseekers can source employment. The service is provided to help and support clients to identify and pursue suitable job opportunities themselves with the help of a Personal Adviser. Support can range from CV preparation, to assisting with job applications, to, in some cases, financial assistance for clothing or transport costs at interview stage or in the first days of employment.
I am advised that my Department has responded to this client’s correspondence through the Department’s Complaints Process on the 1 July 2019.
The person was referred on 11 May 2019 and agreed a Personal Progression Plan on 23 May 2019. Until a client has started employment and as long as they are still in receipt of a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment, they are obliged to engage with the JobPath service and attend their activation appointments.
My Department has advised Turas Nua of the client's request that contact ceases once he has started in employment.
Within the terms of the JobPath contract, a JobPath provider may submit a fee for any client who gains employment of over 30 hours per week and maintains it. Payments are made at intervals of thirteen (13), twenty-six (26), thirty-nine (39) and fifty-two weeks (52).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
