THE GOVERNMENT is proposing a work for welfare programme aimed at providing job placements for up to 2,000 unemployed people.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan and Minister for Social Welfare Mary Hanafin announced yesterday that the Government is proposing a six-month job placement programme designed to give work experience to up to 2,000 jobseekers.

The scheme, which the Ministers dubbed a “welfare to work” programme, will initially be open to 1,000 out-of-work graduates, and subsequently to a further 1,000 unemployed people.

The Government intends earmarking 250 vacancies in the second tranche of work placements for people aged under 25. All participants will be entitled to claim their welfare benefits while they are in the scheme.

There are 380,000 people out of work in the Republic, and some observers fear that the figure will reach 500,000 this year or next year as the recession continues.

The Government is also proposing to launch a short-time work training programme aimed at providing two days’ training a week over one year for 277 workers on short time, who are getting welfare payments.

Both Ministers emphasised that the scheme would be a boost to unemployed graduates. Neither was able to say how many people there are with third-level qualifications on the live register, as these figures are not available.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment subsequently confirmed that 80,000 people aged under 25 are out of work.

State agency Fás will administer the schemes.