I propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 377 and 380 together.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a key policy initiative under the Government's new national employment services strategy; Pathways to Work 2021-2025. WPEP is a funded work placement scheme to provide work experience opportunities for up to 10,000 jobseekers who are 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.
As of 30th November, 166 participants commenced a placement on WPEP. Of these 148 placements are currently active. An additional 13 placements are approved and are due to start shortly. 18 participants have finished their WPEP early due to a variety of reasons, including finding employment.
There have been two complaints from participants to date:
- One applicant complained about a delay in the application process, that arose as the host appeared not to be eligible
- There has been one substantive complaint relating to the placement where a participant had a complaint in relation to a work issue which was brought to the attention of the relevant case officer. In discussions with the participant, despite other work placement options being available, the participant decided to end their placement early.
As part of WPEP monitoring an assigned case officer liaises with the host and the participant during the placement. The Case Officer undertakes two monitoring meetings: early in the placement and again towards the end. These may be in person or virtual. Their purpose is to ensure that the terms and conditions are being fulfilled e.g. that a mentor is assigned to support the participant, that the Personal Learning Plan (PLP), Personal Learning Journal (PLJ) and monthly compliance checklist are being completed and that both parties are satisfied with the progress of the placement. The Case Officer will be available to provide advice and support to both the host and the participant during the placement. To date 63 of the first monitoring reviews have been completed and a further 98 are pending.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.