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Step ahead with 1,000 new jobs

1 October 2009

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today announced funding for 1,000 jobs within the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

The new initiative, called ‘Step Ahead’ starts this month and is aimed at people receiving benefits who have been out of work for 30 months or more.  The jobs will last for six months and could benefit up to 4,000 long term unemployed over two years.

Sir Reg explained that this was part of his Department's “Steps to Work” programme and targeted at people most detached from the labour market.  He said: “The introduction of this waged strand of ‘Steps to Work’ is in direct response to the economic downturn and the increasing numbers of unemployed.  

“An additional 1000 jobs will be a boost to the local economy at present, providing much needed employment to the people most affected by the current recession and benefitting local voluntary and community organisations.”

The Step Ahead initiative will be funded by the Department and is expected to cost in the region of £4million.  The jobs created will be available across Northern Ireland and will pay at least the national minimum wage.  It is anticipated that this initiative will last up to two years or until the economy shows signs of recovery.

The Minister concluded: “I am determined to bring in measures to further help unemployed people and people who are economically inactive, during these difficult economic times.  This ‘Step Ahead’ will help prevent people who have been out of the labour market for an extended period falling even further behind when trying to access employment opportunities.  It will help us to continue to build a sustainable and profitable economy.”

Notes to editors:

  • There will be a maximum of 1000 waged Step Ahead jobs across Northern Ireland.  The number of opportunities available in an area will be in direct proportion to the level of working age benefit claimants.  It is expected that these opportunities will encompass a broad range of occupational areas.
  • Employment will be for a minimum of 30 hours per week, full time, for a period of 26 weeks and employees will have a contract of employment.
  • Further information is available at www.delni.gov.uk/stw-steptwo and www.nidirect.gov.uk/jobseekers-stw-step-two external link
  • All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch, on 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.