As reported in today's Irish Times, Employers would be paid four-figure cash incentives to retain interns and recruit long-term unemployed people under two new schemes being considered by Ministers for announcement on budget day.
Companies would receive a retention bonus of about €1,000 if they kept JobBridge interns for 13 months after work experience was completed, while those who retained for the same period workers who had previously been on the live register for 1½ years would get at least double that amount. The larger “lump sum” initiative to encourage the hiring of people who have been unemployed for 18 months or more would replace existing schemes offering employers PRSI relief. Although the savings possible under such schemes are considered generous, take-up has been low. Feedback from business organisations has indicated that one reason for this is that the schemes are regarded as complex by some small employers.
The payment of at least €2,000 to employers who recruit long-term unemployed people would be made in two phases. The first tranche would be delivered three months after the employee had been recruited from the live register, with the second amount due after 13 months. The 13-month period is to ensure employment rights are secured, thereby preventing any employers dispensing with workers after receiving the money.
This is significant as unlike the job bridge scheme which is for a definite period this scheme will be for an indefinite duration and may discourage some employers who do not have the capacity to take on permanent employees.
