The Job Initiative scheme is a programme providing full-time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and in receipt of social welfare payments over that period.
Following changes introduced to the Job Initiative scheme by the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in late 2004, there is currently no recruitment onto the scheme while existing participants will have their contracts renewed.
The programme provides participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. The programme is sponsored by groups wishing to benefit the local community, namely voluntary organisations, public bodies and those involved in not-for-profit activities.
DSP gives financial support to assist with the Job Initiative scheme, for example, participant wages. Also, while on the programme participants can keep entitlements such as medical cards or Christmas bonus, and be eligible for others such as revenue job assist.