Statistics are maintained on the total applications, awards, refusals, and withdrawals for Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit but such detailed data is not separately collated in respect of educational sector workers. Accordingly, the data sought cannot be provided in the manner referred to by the Deputy.
The process in respect of all jobseeker's payments including part-time workers in the educational sector is kept under review. In general, there is no delay in processing jobseeker benefit claims if the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation are completed by the customer in a timely manner.
Seasonal workers including educational workers should apply for jobseeker’s benefit as soon as they become unemployed. Educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
However, it is important to note that educational sector workers are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment and satisfy all the qualifying conditions for jobseeker’s benefit including the 3 waiting days at the start of the claim if it does not link to a previous jobseeker's claim.
I want to assure the Deputy that prompt processing of all claims remains a priority for my Department. Scheme areas are monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible. If the Deputy has details of a specific case where it appears there may been a delay in processing, the information should be provided to my office for review.
Tables 1 and 2 below show the number of educational sector workers in receipt of Jobseeker's payments in June, July and August from 2018 to 2022. These figures refer to all those employed in the education sector, rather than just substitute teachers and all non-permanent education employees.
Table 1: Number of ESW recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance in June, July or August, 2018 to 2022
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|
June
|
602
|
330
|
292
|
424
|
517
|
|
July
|
1,684
|
1,594
|
1,295
|
1,759
|
1,799
|
|
August
|
2,050
|
1,816
|
1,095
|
1,320
|
1,330
|
Table 2: Number of ESW recipients of Jobseeker's Benefit in June, July or August, 2018 to 2022
|
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|
June
|
3,552
|
1,702
|
1,479
|
2,202
|
2,611
|
|
July
|
10,148
|
9,216
|
7,494
|
9,550
|
8,867
|
|
August
|
11,189
|
8,575
|
5,257
|
5,619
|
5,426
|
