FAS schemes cutbacks - Vulnerable workers will be affected

Some of the most vulnerable workers in this country will be detrimentally affected if plans drastically to reduce FÁS employment schemes is given the green light

Under a FÁS review, it appears likely that the scheme, the objective of which is to bring long-term unemployed people back into the workforce, will be cut from 28,000 to 15,000 by the end of the year.

The move will incur the wrath of community and voluntary groups, especially in marginalised areas, which benefited from the community employment scheme.