Scheme to employ up to 100,000 outlined

UP TO 100,000 part time jobs could be created if the Government agreed to make a pilot employment scheme available throughout the State, according to the Conference of Religious of Ireland.

CORI says the pilot of the Part Time Job Opportunities Programme has been an outstanding success since it was set up three years ago. The programme had created "meaningful jobs" for unemployed people, doing work of real social value.

One in every three participants had been unemployed for at least four years. About a quarter left, mostly to take up another job or to go into full time education.

CORI estimates the target of 100,000 jobs could be reached over a three to four year period, if the programme were adopted nationally.

At present it is available only in six pilot areas Waterford city, south Tipperary, Laois, Kerry, offshore islands and Finglas Blanchardstown.

However, in a progress report CORI warns that if the Government decides to hand over the running of the programme to another agency, "certain characteristics" would have to be maintained in order to ensure the success of the programme.

All workers would have to be paid the going hourly rate and the programme would have to remain totally voluntary. In addition, all positions should be advertised and filled by interview, and workers should be provided with written contracts.

The 1,000 jobs created under the pilot scheme covered a wide range of activities. Hourly rates paid ranged from £3.11 for canteen staff to £18 for a counsellor.