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Minister outlines help for businesses and unemployed

31 March 2009

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has reiterated his Department’s commitment to helping employers, employees and the unemployed.

He said: “In a recent statement I made in the Assembly I updated members on the range of programmes my Department is currently utilizing and the adjustments made, where necessary, in the light of the current economic situation.  The Department has also introduced new initiatives to address the immediate needs and yet has also maintained its focus on the need for planned strategic change for the longer term.

“At a time when it is our incumbent duty to help those most affected by this recession, I feel it is essential that Members are aware of these valuable initiatives which can be of real benefit to their constituents.”

The new initiatives in the Minister’s statement included:

  • an increase in childcare allowances for lone parents and partners/spouses of unemployed and economically inactive claimants;
  • a raising of the limit on the amount paid for short training courses from the current £300 to a maximum of £2000;
  • an increase to the allowances for travel costs for Steps to Work participants, 100% funding of the management and leadership training costs for small and medium sized enterprises; and
  • the increase to 5000 places available in the Business Improvement Techniques training at Level 2 and Level 3.

A full copy of his statement can be found on the Departmental website www.delni.gov.uk/newinitiatives.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • The increase to Childcare allowances applies to those participating in Steps to Work, Pathways to Work and Training for Success.  The maximum amount of childcare payable will increase from £140 to £240 per family per week for registered childcare and from £85 to £100 per family per week towards childcare provided by a relative.  The increased rates of support will enable more eligible participants to move off benefits and therefore contribute to achieving the PfG targets of increasing the employment rate to 75% and the eradication of child poverty by 2020.  
  • The increase to funding for short term courses will allow those from a managerial and executive background gain access to an extended range of courses. The increased funding will significantly increase their prospects of finding and sustaining employment.  
  • The increase in funding for additional travel costs for Steps to Work participants will encourage Lead Contractors to secure quality work placements beyond their local area. Steps to Work participants will not incur any additional expense if they have to travel further to obtain a suitable work placement.
  • All media enquiries to Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on telephone 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.