The Community Employment Scheme (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.
The programme is delivered through independent Community Employment Sponsoring Bodies. The contract agreement between the Department and the Community Employment Sponsoring Body establishes their role as an independent contractor, responsible for all purposes and all persons recruited by them.
CE Supervisors have always been employees of Community Employment Sponsoring Bodies which operate in the community and voluntary sector.
The Department received the Adjudication Officer’s Decision on Monday 4th November. It is reviewing that Decision at present and has sought legal advice on it.
My Department officials have been engaging with representatives of CE supervisors to discuss issues arising following the 2008 Labour Court Recommendation. The details of the discussions have remained confidential while the engagement is ongoing and I would ask Deputies to respect these wishes and allow the talks to continue free from speculation.
