Liz McManus TD

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More Prospects Available As FAS Work Placement Scheme Is Revised

Issued : Wednesday 2 December, 2009

Labour TD Liz McManus is urging on all those people in Co. Wicklow who are currently unemployed to apply through their local FAS office for the revised Work Placement Scheme.

Deputy McManus said "As thousands still wait for their social welfare benefit to be processed it was a mean spirited provision that people had to be receiving social welfare payment for 6 months before they could apply for the FAS Work Placement Scheme. Under the revised scheme, the waiting period has been reduced from 6 months to 3 months.

"The revised scheme came on stream from the 1st of December. It is available to employers from the public sector, private sector and the community and voluntary sector. The work placement scheme is a valuable tool to help recent graduates and those who have been made unemployed keep their skills and learn new ones.

"These new skills can then be used to further their own employment chances and stimulate local economies across Ireland and in effect help the country get back on its feet. It helps employers who can not afford to take on more staff find experienced workers and expand their own operations with a view to future growth and development."

"I would urge people in Co. Wicklow who may be getting Job Seekers Allowance to apply to FAS for the programme. Unemployed graduates who are not receiving a social welfare payment will now also be eligible to apply. It is good news that the duration of the work placement has been increased to a maximum to 9 months", concluded Deputy McManus.