Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
444. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has carried out an analysis or evaluation of the JobsPlus scheme to ascertain if employers subsidised under the scheme have retained staff in the period after the subsidy is withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33515/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the JobsPlus incentive is designed to encourage employers and businesses to focus their recruitment efforts on those who have been out of work for long periods, or on young people seeking employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 - over two years, paid in monthly instalments, provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person employed has been on the Live Register.
My Department is currently undertaking a Focused Policy Assessment (FPA) on the incentive. As part of this assessment, an analysis of a sample of JobsPlus employees was conducted between 30 and 36 months after their commencement date on the scheme. This analysis has shown that for employees who complete 24 months on the scheme, 79% remain with their current employer and 95% remain off the Live Register. The FPA will be finalised over the coming weeks.
I consider this a very favourable result and I believe it demonstrates the positive effect that JobsPlus has in getting people who are long-term unemployed into work.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
