IRD Duhallow Supporting Local Employment

By SANDRA JONES

Central Statistics Office

There has been a lot of talk in the media of late about unemployment rates being at record lows. The figure above from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reflects unemployment rates in Ireland over a two-year period from May 2020 to May 2023 displaying peaks during Covid_19 pandemic lockdown periods. The statistics show that youth unemployment has dropped by 6.9% over the past year alone. IRD Duhallow have always put a focus on local employment. As we live in such a rural area, job opportunities as well as advancement to further education can be much more difficult to attain with many having to commute outside of their local area for work and education.

IRD Duhallow Job Centre has been in operation since the early 90’s providing employment supports to people in the local community. Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and Skillnet funding play a key role in providing upskilling and advancement courses to the community at minimal cost to the individual. Community Employment (CE) and TUS schemes are a steppingstone for people to work towards returning to the work force. STRIVE and Towards Occupation programmes provide employment supports to people with additional needs in the community while the newer CE Drug Rehabilitation and Kickstart programmes offer supports to those with criminal records or who are in recovery from addiction around getting back to employment.

IRD Duhallow have been contracted with rolling out the Local Area Employment Service since October of 2022. This is a programme whereby individuals are referred to the service through social welfare to meet with one of our case officers who then outline the range of services available through IRD Duhallow which can assist the individual to work towards their own career goals. Clients are working on developing CV’s and cover letters to apply for desired job opportunities, working on interview skills and confidence, signing up to a Community Employment Scheme locally or signing up to courses which will aid with personal and professional development.

The clients are working one to one with a case officer who will tailor supports to their own specific needs and goals.

The new office in Macroom town has proven valuable with over 60 clients now availing of the service in the area.

While the local area employment service operates strictly through referral from Social Welfare, the job centre supports are available to anyone in the Duhallow area who wishes to avail of them.

Call (029) 60633 or email duhallow@irdduhallow.com to discuss how we can support you on your journey.

Case Officers Stephanie Moynihan and PJ Murphy