I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together.
The Local Employment Services (LES) provide a one-to-one career path planning and placement service, on a caseload basis, for the unemployed. The LES services are available to clients through a network of local contact points and may also be provided in outreach offices on a part-time basis.
The number of persons who commenced engagement with the local employment service in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020 is detailed in the following table.
Year
|
Total
|
2020 YTD Nov
|
14,368
|
2019
|
22,006
|
2018
|
21,775
|
2017
|
20,545
|
2016
|
16,704
|
2015
|
51,546
|
In relation to the number of persons engaged with the local employment service in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020., the table below shows the throughput in each year, that is the total number of clients who entered and left the service in the period.
Year
|
Total
|
2020 YTD Nov
|
33,474
|
2019
|
41,411
|
2018
|
42,201
|
2017
|
39,984
|
2016
|
47,025
|
2015
|
92,489
|
It should be noted that the Department did not refer people to any contracted public employment service, including the LES, during the period 16th March to the 8th June and again during the more recent level 5 public health restrictions. This has therefore reduced the total number of people engaged with the LES in 2020.