Empey Praises New NI Employability Programme

Sir Reg Empey visited Limavady Jobs and Benefits office yesterday to hear how a new programme was helping those from the area find work.

The 'Steps to Work' programme is currently being piloted through four local Jobs and Benefits Offices. As well as Limavady, the programme is running in Lisburn, Knockbreda and Shaftesbury Square.

The pilot commenced in April and aims to help people overcome the obstacles which prevent them from finding work.

Northern Ireland continues to have the highest proportion of people who are “economically inactive” in the UK and the Minister explained that initiatives such as Steps to Work are designed to overcome this problem.

He said: “In seeking to increase the employment rate and address high levels of economic inactivity as well as looking towards the future requirements of local employers, my Department recognises that there is a clear need to encourage more people to become active members of the workforce. The Department has therefore developed this new initiative to assist those not in paid employment to find work.

“Steps to Work will help to ensure that employment opportunities become a reality for people who have been out of the active labour market and who wish to return to work. This programme will equip individuals with the necessary skills that they and employers need to compete in the global economy.”

A key feature of Steps to Work is personalised support and guidance from a specialist trained adviser who will draw up a plan to help the unemployed or economically inactive overcome the difficulties they face getting into employment.

The support should provide the opportunity to gain a work related qualification, meaningful and relevant experience of the workplace through high quality job placements, assistance with improving essential skills, or if required, help with developing the skills needed to search for a job.

Support provided through the Steps to Work initiative has been extended to include voluntary participation by those in receipt of a wider range of benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support.

The initiative is also available to those who are not working and not in receipt of benefit. This would apply to returners to the labour market including the retired who may need to update their skills to enable them to rejoin the workforce.

During the visit the Minister met with a number of local people who have participated on the programme and took the opportunity to present them with certificates in recognition of their achievement.

The Minister also paid tribute to local employers who, through their involvement in this initiative, have helped the unemployed and economically inactive back into the workplace.

(LC/SP)