A £1.9million scheme aimed at boosting the employment
opportunities of the over-50s has been announced by the
Department for Communities.
JobStart 50+ will provide around 180 jobs across a range of
sectors in a ‘test and learn' pilot exercise funded by the UK
government. The funding will be used to evaluate the impact of
job support programmes for the over-50 age group and employers.
The scheme will mirror the Department for Communities' successful
JobStart programme for 16 to 24-year-olds which saw 77 per cent
of participants progress into full-time employment as a result of
the skills and experience acquired through their JobStart
opportunity.
Welcoming the funding allocation, Minister for Communities,
, said:
“This additional funding provides us with a significant
opportunity to enhance the life chances of the over-50 age group
who have found it difficult, for a range of reasons, to enter or
re-enter the labour market.
“The JobStart 50+ scheme will also provide my Department with
further insight on the particular challenges being faced by this
group.
“The funding will make a real difference in helping people
overcome those challenges and provide the practical support
needed to build confidence and skills to maximise employability.”
JobStart 50+ opportunities will be open to those aged 50 to 64
who are unemployed or economically inactive. The Department
will work with employers and participants to secure appropriate
job opportunities which provide the necessary skills to support
sustainable employability.
The scheme is a partnership between HM Treasury, the Northern
Ireland Office and the Department for Communities.
For further information on how to access the support available
under the JobStart 50+ Scheme visit NI Direct
