Jobseekers see payments cut for refusing training

Twenty-seven Cork people have had their jobseekers’ allowance cut for refusing employment help. The local figure represents 5% of cuts across the country, with 509 jobseekers having their rate of payment reduced for not engaging with the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP), or by refusing a training offer from FÁS and the Department of Social Protection. The arrangements had been introduced in April last year as part of active move to get people back into employment.

The Department told the Cork News that it has examined the total number of cases who failed to attend two NEAP interviews in the first six months of the new system and who did not have a reduced rate applied to their claim. “The data established that, in the vast majority of these cases, individuals that failed to attend NEAP interviews on two occasions are either currently under investigation, have subsequently engaged with the NEAP process or are participating on another labour market initiative, or have left the live register,” said a spokesperson.

Those affected will see cuts to Jobseekers' Benefit go from €84.50 to €65; €121.40 to €93; €147.30 to €113 and €188 to €144. For Jobseekers' Allowance, the personal rate reduces by €44.

“The objective of this measure is to encourage people to attend FÁS interviews, undertake training and take up employment opportunities. Basically, there is a right to a payment but also a matching responsibility on the unemployed person to engage with the system,” they said.