‘Step Ahead 2012’ Employment Initiative Launched

Published: 26th March 2012

Today saw the launch of a new scheme targeting some of the most disadvantaged people in Northern Ireland.  Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry announced the ‘Step Ahead 2012’ initiative as part of the Steps to Work programme following securing funding of £1.2million from the January monitoring round.

The new scheme will allow 500 short-term employment opportunities, lasting up to 10 weeks, to be offered for unemployed people within Community/Voluntary sector organisations.
In particular the system will target three groups which are considered to be particularly disadvantaged in finding work in the current economic climate:

·        18 to 24 year olds in receipt of benefits for 3 months or more

·        Single parents in receipt of benefits

·        50 year olds and over in receipt of benefits for 3 months or more

Speaking about the announcement the Minister commented that, “Addressing the issues of youth unemployment and the growth in long-term unemployment are key issues for our economy. Having secured additional funding from the Executive, I welcome the valuable employment opportunities that this initiative will provide across Northern Ireland, particularly in areas of high unemployment such as West Belfast, North Belfast and the Foyle area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the important work that the Steps to Work providers and local Community/Voluntary groups carry out. With the help of this initiative I hope that many of the participants are able to successfully use this as a route into permanent employment.”

 17/01/12