Skip the NI Direct Bar

EU-Funded cash injection for NI Labour Market

9 October 2007

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today encouraged organisations in Northern Ireland to apply for the latest round of European Social Funding (ESF).

Welcoming the package for projects aimed at helping people into sustainable employment prospects and addressing the needs of those disadvantaged in the labour market, the Minister said: “The Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme will help make progress towards increasing the overall employment rate and reducing local economic inactivity by extending employment opportunities, in particular for those groups at a disadvantage in the labour market.”

The Minister went on to explain that £45.5 million of funding would be made available under the first call.  This represents the 65% that will be made available through the Programme.  The remaining 35% match funding will have to be independently secured by the successful organisations.  This would be the first of two calls made by the Department for applications under the new Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme. Applications will be invited from any legally formed relevant public, private, voluntary or community sector organisation.

Highlighting the importance of the application process and the time frame for submitting proposals, the Minister said: “My Department wants to ensure that the new Northern Ireland ESF Programme is rolled out in April 2008.  The invitation to submit applications is being made now so that organisations have plenty of time to prepare their proposals.  It is essential that all applicants bear in mind that this is a competition and only those proposals that can deliver the Programme’s objectives and targets will be selected for funding.”

Application forms and information on how to apply will be available at www.eugrants.org external link from 11 October 2007.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Applications are being sought for European Social Funding under Priority 1 of the new Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2007-13. Applications are sought in respect of projects to help people into sustainable employment and improve the employability of those disadvantaged in the labour market.
  2. Application forms are available in either paper or electronic format.  Full details are available at www.eugrants.org.  Those without internet access should contact the Department for Employment and Learning, European Unit, Tel: 028 9025 7677 for printed versions of documents.  Over the next few days the Department will place advertisements in newspapers, which contains this information.
  3. Completed applications must be received by noon on Friday 23 November 2007.
  4. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.