JobPath is an approach to employment activation which caters mainly for people who are long-term unemployed to assist them to secure and sustain full-time paid employment or self-employment.
Following the completion of a public procurement process, contracts to deliver JobPath were signed with two companies – Seetec Limited and Turas Nua Limited. These companies are providing JobPath services in two contract areas that are based on the department's divisional structure.
- West
- Midlands North
- North East
- North West
- Dublin Central
- Dublin North
- Dublin South
- Cork Central
- South East
- Mid-Leinster
- Mid-West
- South West
- Midlands South
The contracts in place are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland. The courts of Ireland have exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection selects jobseekers on a random basis for referral to JobPath. Relevant data on each jobseeker selected is shared with the JobPath company to enable them to provide employment services on behalf of the department.
The JobPath companies are subject to strict obligations imposed by the department in terms of data protection.
JobPath providers are contractually required to register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Data protection legislation requires that personal data shall be kept only for one or more specified and lawful purposes and that personal data shall be used and disclosed only in ways compatible with these purposes. The legislation also requires that the data should be adequate, relevant and not excessive.
You cannot apply to engage with the JobPath Service. Those jobseekers that have spent a year with the JobPath service become eligible for selection again for additional activation support with the JobPath service if they remain unemployed 2 months after they have finished.
Jobseekers selected for referral to JobPath will receive a letter inviting them to an information session where they will receive information on the service that will be available while on JobPath.
Following the information session, the person will have their first one to one meeting with their personal advisor. This meeting will look at their work related skills and experience, and employment preferences for the purpose of agreeing a Personal Progression Plan (PPP). This is the person’s personal plan to help in their search for sustainable full time employment. Agreement to a PPP is mandatory for persons referred to any of the Activation Services provided by the department, including the JobPath Service.
They will also be asked to sign a consent form to allow the the JobPath Company to make contact with employers or prospective employers on behalf of the jobseeker. Agreement to the consent is not mandatory. However, it provides a number of advantages for the jobseeker.
Participants on JobPath will receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment, including suitable training and courses to assist them in finding jobs. They will spend a year on JobPath and, if they are placed into a job, they may continue to receive support for up to 52 weeks when in employment. This can be via the Employer or directly provided to the Employee.
Jobseekers will retain their full social welfare payment while on JobPath. However, failure to engage with the service may affect a person’s welfare payment. All decisions about client welfare entitlements will be taken by department officials.
The JobPath companies provide a free service for employers. They offer employers dedicated recruitment and initial training support. They will work with the department and with each other to ensure that a co-ordinated approach is adopted regarding engagement with employers. In addition, in-work support for jobseekers is provided, especially during the critical first few weeks, to ensure that people have the best chance of making the transition from unemployment to employment.
