Intern scheme no gimmick, say ministers

MINISTERS have denied an initiative to create 5,000 internships is a gimmick — despite admitting they have no idea how many real jobs the scheme may lead to.

Those taking part in the Job Bridge project will be given an extra €50 a week on top of their regular social welfare payments while gaining six to nine-month placements at participating companies.

The scheme has already attracted 1,000 internship offers from 500 companies in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Firms to have signed up include Smurfit Kappa, Quinn Group, Mercury Engineering and Aer Lingus.

Anyone on the Live Register for at least three months will be eligible for the initiative, which sees them retain all current benefits.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton insisted there would be no “exploitation” of those taking part and it should be seen as an “audition” that could lead to full-time work.

However, she could not give a figure for how many real jobs she expected the initiative to produce.

Companies taking part cannot displace an existing worker in order to make room for an intern.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions pledged to protect those involved in the initiative as it announced plans for a help-line to ensure there is “zero tolerance” for employers who “abuse” the new internship scheme and exploit participants.

Congress legal affairs officer Esther Lynch said that employers needed monitoring.

“Properly implemented, this scheme can secure a better deal for young and other unemployed people.

“The number and range of the work experience and intern programme has increased considerably in recent years and, sadly, some employers have sought to take advantage of peoples’ desperation to find work. There must be zero tolerance for this sort of behaviour.

“The internship scheme announced by Government is welcome — but the only long-term solution to the crisis lies in job creation.”

Chambers Ireland chief executive Ian Talbot said the move could lead to job offers.

“This will enable participants to gain invaluable work-place experience, while also contributing to the operation of the business. It is hoped that many of these companies will in turn be able to offer employment opportunities as result.”

* Apply for positions at www.jobbridge.ie