JI workers to protest against govt cutbacks

Community workers from throughout the country are due to stage a demonstration outside the Department of Employment today to protest against the Government’s cutbacks to the Jobs Initiative (JI).

Under the scheme, people over the age of 35 who are unemployed for more than five years are given jobs in the community to prepare them for a return to the open labour market.

The Government has reduced the number of places available on the scheme as part of cutbacks introduced after last year’s general election.

Supporters of the initiative said these cutbacks would lead to the disappearance of community-related services that were provided by JI workers at a very low cost.

A petition opposing the JI cutbacks is due to be handed in to the Department of Employment during today’s protest.