A chara, – I am a 23 year-old with a degree in law and politics and awaiting a HDip in science in computing. Since leaving university I have been seeking employment, to no avail. I have been on the Live Register since June 2012. I have not been receiving any payment due to my family’s means test status.
Recently I applied for an internship with a local company in the tourism sector under the Jobsbridge initiative. I attended for interview and was notified by the company I was being offered the position. I was asked to have the Jobsbridge forms signed off at my local social welfare office. When I requested this, I was informed that I am ineligible to participate on the scheme, as I have not been in receipt of payments for more than 78 days. I made the conscious decision to agree to work on a voluntary basis with the company until I reached the 78-day requirement and then continue on as an intern.
I have been informed by the Department of Social Protection that if I work as a volunteer for the company I will be struck off the Live Register and will not receive any payment, as voluntary work can only be undertaken with community groups. In my case, even if I work for free to gain experience I am penalised. It seems to me that, in today’s Ireland, work is not working. Perhaps some other country’s work system might be more interested in my abilities. – Yours, etc,
NIALL McKEE,
Tullyhorkey,
Ballyshannon, Co Donegal.