Fears grow for work scheme

FEARS are growing among voluntary and community groups that the government will slash by half the number of places on a work scheme for the long-term unemployed.

There is speculation among those with direct involvement in the community employment scheme that Enterprise Minister Mary Harney will announce the number of places is to be cut from 24,000 to just 12,500. In May, the Tánaiste announced a cut from 28,000.

An official in Ms Harney’s department last night said speculation over the scheme was premature as no decision had been made on the spending estimates for next year. A report on the scheme is set to be completed within the next couple of weeks. It is understood its authors will recommend cuts but will leave the number up to the government.