Dundalk TD says Local Employment Services must be protected
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Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said that Local Employment Services (LES), in their current community-based and not-for-profit form, must be protected.
His comments come as the services, including the one run by Louth Leader Partnership in Dundalk, are set to go out to tender, which the governments insists is required to comply with EU procurement rules.
Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘The rollout of JobPath in 2015 signalled a move towards the privatisation of job activation services.
‘Since then, there has been an emphasis on referrals to the JobPath providers, Seetec and Turas Nua, above all other existing schemes, including the LES. This preference for JobPath has not gone unnoticed.
Industry and Employment Correspondent
SIPTU has expressed fears that a new government tender for the expansion of employment services could threaten the jobs of up to 300 members working in community-based Local Employment Services offices.
These staff assist unemployed people with supports ranging from literacy to interview skills to job placements.
While the services are funded by the Department of Social Protection, the staff are not government employees.
In a letter to the Minister for Social Protection, SIPTU Sector Organiser Jane Boushell urged Heather Humphreys not to change the current community-led system. She is seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the tender.