Expansion Of Programme To Help People Back Into Work

Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Employment and Learning, has announced an expansion of the 'Pathways to Work' pilot initiative.

This interdepartmental initiative, which will now be extended to areas in Belfast and Londonderry, is designed to help people with health conditions or disabilities move closer to the labour market or into employment.

During a visit to Newtownabbey, the Minister met staff from the local Jobs & Benefits Office and heard how the service was already being developed and implemented in the area.

Commenting on the potential of 'Pathways to Work' to transform the lives of people who have become dependent on welfare, Maria Eagle said: "For most people, the best route out of poverty and social exclusion is through work. 'Pathways to Work' is designed to provide the support that will help many, who have manageable health conditions and disabilities, to move into employment and away from welfare dependency.

"This initiative has the potential to improve the lives of many people and their families and will benefit society and the economy as a whole."

Announcing plans for expansion of the initiative, the Minister said: "Resources have been made available through the Skills and Science Fund to expand the initiative to cover one third of people who make a new claim for Incapacity Benefit in Northern Ireland by the end of this year. The final phase of expansion will happen later this month when the initiative will be extended to the Falls and Shankill areas of Belfast and to Londonderry."

The 'Pathways to Work' initiative is delivered jointly by the Department for Employment and Learning, the Social Security Agency within the Department for Social Development and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(CD)