Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
510. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants who have started on the work placement experience programme; the number who are currently on the programme; the number who have finished placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46519/21]
View answerThe Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a key policy initiative under the Government's new national employment services strategy; Pathways to Work 2021-2025. This sets out the national framework for activation and employment supports to assist persons, whose employment has been adversely affected by COVID, back to work while continuing to support those who were unemployed pre-pandemic find jobs.
WPEP is a funded work placement scheme to provide work experience for jobseekers who have been unemployed for more than six months, including time spent on the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP). Participation on WPEP is entirely voluntary. All participants are paid €306 per week plus any social welfare increases for qualified adults and children. The intention is to provide quality and valuable work experience to unemployed persons.
As of 23rd September, 83 WPEP placement have been approved and of these 50 participants started their placements. There have been four instances where the participant has finished the placement early and, in one case, the participant involved did not start the placement.
There are therefore currently 45 active participants on the scheme. In addition, a further 33 participants have been issued a WPEP start date and will take up placements in this coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
