Govt: JobsPlus scheme has put 3,000 long-term unemployed back to work

The Government has revealed that 3,000 people have been taken off the Live Register in a scheme where employers can get a grant of up to €10,000.

The announcement has been made at the launch of a new charter which it hopes will see more of those seeking work getting interviews.

Under the charter employers who sign up will commit to interviewing 50% of candidates for a job from the Live Register.

Minister for Activation Kevin Humphreys says the 'JobsPlus' scheme has proven successful.

He said: "People that are long-term unemployed, over six months, find it very difficult to get back into employment.

"One of the very positive features today is that we've just got the figures that 3,000 people have gone back into full-time employment through our JobsPlus scheme. That's where we pay a subsidy for taking back long-term unemployed.

"We give €7,000 of a subsidy to the employer, who over two years gets €10,000, and employers have been taking that up, not only in Dublin, but right across the country."