The former Minister for the State Kevin Humphreys has claimed that the much hated JobBridge scheme was not abused by employers on a widespread basis.
Mr Humphreys comments come after the new Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar recently revealed the often criticised scheme will be replaced this coming September. Mr Humphreys who was heavily involved setting up a review of the scheme had claimed the schemes success stories have never been revealed.
Mr Humphreys said: “There were examples of abuses which were highlighted by the media, but the success stories were not publicised.” The former minister further explained that the scheme was useful and not entirely corrupted, stating one early review of the scheme showed thar 64% of those opting for it moved on to the workforce. “It was a voluntary scheme on the part of the employers and employees.”
Mr Humphreys also claimed the scheme was a creature of it’s time: “Unemployment was running at 15%. “The two elements of the scheme were keeping people in the workforce and their skills up to date.’’