Ministers announce plans to help people back to work

The Government have today announced an extension in the 'Pathways to Work' pilot scheme in Northern Ireland, and have published new proposals to provide more support to help people stay in or return to work.

As part of the Skills and Science Package, funding has been provided to increase the number of Pathways to Work pilots here, from three areas to seven by the end of the year.

This extra funding will help people with health or disability problems to return back to work.

Social Development Minister David Hanson said: “We, in Northern Ireland, are well aware of the corrosive effect of economic inactivity both for individuals and for communities. This is a particular problem for people in Northern Ireland. We have a duty to help as many people as possible to realise their potential and to share in the prosperity which most of us enjoy. There is no doubt that work is the best route out of poverty.”

The Minister continued by saying that most people who go on to benefits want to return to work and this package of proposals will help them to realise this aspiration.

Health Minister Angela Smith also welcomed the new proposals. She said: “I am delighted to confirm today that the existing Pathways to Work pilots will be extended during 2006 to a further seven areas in Northern Ireland. This will enable Northern Ireland to match the level of provision in Great Britain and will ensure that 30% of those making a claim for incapacity benefit will have access to this initiative. The Pathways to Work initiative is already showing encouraging results across Great Britain with many thousands of people being helped back into work and getting jobs. We look forward to similar successes in Northern Ireland."

She added that the Government would aim to strengthen the support available and try to improve workplace health to help reduce employees falling ill, and providing support for when they do.

(EF/SP)