The Tus Programme

Kerrydude1981

Anyone else on this,I got a letter in the post during the week offering me an opportunity to apply for a position,it involves 19.5 hours a week for a period of 12 months

Mrs OBumble

It's a community employment scheme, with another name.

Apply, it won't do any harm.

But even if you get it, remember that:

1) you still need to be looing for a real job that pays real money, and
2) the 12 month bit just means that you can only stay on it for up to 12 months: you are under no obligation to stay the full length (even though some community organisations that use it to deliver services might want you to believe otherwise).

Stripey Cat

Depends what the scheme is too- if you are eligible for this, you should be eligible for other ones, and there might be a better scheme that would provide more training, opportunities for networking etc

Shop around before you commit.

kadman

JustMary wrote: »

It's a community employment scheme, with another name.

Apply, it won't do any harm.

But even if you get it, remember that:

1) you still need to be looing for a real job that pays real money, and
2) the 12 month bit just means that you can only stay on it for up to 12 months: you are under no obligation to stay the full length (even though some community organisations that use it to deliver services might want you to believe otherwise).

Does that mean you can walk away from it after 1 month, and re apply for ja. I,d find that hard to believe.

kadman

kadman

Stripey Cat wrote: »

Depends what the scheme is too- if you are eligible for this, you should be eligible for other ones, and there might be a better scheme that would provide more training, opportunities for networking etc

Shop around before you commit.

I was told by TUS, that all training grants ect for participants, in all schemes , has been severely curtailed.

kadman

Mrs OBumble

kadman wrote: »

Does that mean you can walk away from it after 1 month, and re apply for ja. I,d find that hard to believe.

kadman

No more than you can walk away from any job after one month and re-apply for JA.

But you can leave as soon as you get a real paying job.

bbam

My understanding..

You have been given an "opportunity to apply"..

• If you don't turn up to the interview you will loose any SW payment you are on.. If you turn up and try to fudge the interview you will be reported back to SW and may loose your payment..
• If you turn down a placement for what is deemed not a good reason then again you may loose your payment..
• If you leave for a reason other than getting a job you may loose your payment..

CatsmcGee

My boyfriend got this letter too. He wants to return to college this september so replied saying he wouldn't be able to take a place as he wont be free for 12 months and was going to apply for back to education allowance. They now want him to come in to discuss this.
It sounds like its a form of forced labour - people don't have any choice. Do this or lose your payment. People are looking for jobs, they're just really hard to find!
I'd really like to know what kind of work they're planning on making people do.
He has his meeting thusday, we'll have to wait and see what they say I suppose.

Kerrydude1981

CatsmcGee wrote: »

My boyfriend got this letter too. He wants to return to college this september so replied saying he wouldn't be able to take a place as he wont be free for 12 months and was going to apply for back to education allowance. They now want him to come in to discuss this.
It sounds like its a form of forced labour - people don't have any choice. Do this or lose your payment. People are looking for jobs, they're just really hard to find!
I'd really like to know what kind of work they're planning on making people do.
He has his meeting thusday, we'll have to wait and see what they say I suppose.

Havent heard anything yet,found the letter I got,below is a list of possible jobs that will be on offer

Some of the work on offer will be

Energy consveration work in homes and community buildings
Social care of all age groups and persons with a disabilty or limited mobility
Caretaking,securing,supervising of community buildings and spaces
Renovation of community and sporting faclities
Promoting the Irish language,other cultural and heritage activities
Administration,research and community event management
Coaching for sporting activity(where operated by a sports organisation)
Repair of equipment and tools for reuse

JohnMc1

CatsmcGee wrote: »

My boyfriend got this letter too. He wants to return to college this september so replied saying he wouldn't be able to take a place as he wont be free for 12 months and was going to apply for back to education allowance. They now want him to come in to discuss this.
It sounds like its a form of forced labour - people don't have any choice. Do this or lose your payment. People are looking for jobs, they're just really hard to find!
I'd really like to know what kind of work they're planning on making people do.
He has his meeting thusday, we'll have to wait and see what they say I suppose.

I'm in the same position as your boyfriend. I have an appointment tomorrow and I am applying for University for the Fall. I was told that wasn't a valid reason not to except a placement but if I get my course they will reevaluate my contract. The obvious problem for your boyfriend and myself is that we get a placement we have to sign off on jobseekers but if we get our respective courses we will no longer be eligible for Back to Education allowance [since we need to be on JSA for atleast 1 year]

Mrs OBumble

JohnMc1 wrote: »

I'm in the same position as your boyfriend. I have an appointment tomorrow and I am applying for University for the Fall. I was told that wasn't a valid reason not to except a placement but if I get my course they will reevaluate my contract. The obvious problem for your boyfriend and myself is that we get a placement we have to sign off on jobseekers but if we get our respective courses we will no longer be eligible for Back to Education allowance [since we need to be on JSA for atleast 1 year]

Sigh.

So at the interview, you make sure that the community organisation concerned knows that you only plan to stick around for X months, and that what you're really committed to doing is ...

They'll get the hint, and offer the position to someone else.

JohnMc1

JustMary wrote: »

Sigh.

So at the interview, you make sure that the community organisation concerned knows that you only plan to stick around for X months, and that what you're really committed to doing is ...

They'll get the hint, and offer the position to someone else.

I was planning to tell them about it [I am going to print up a copy of my online CAO application since we won't get the official ones until April] I was just stating that they aren't taking it as a reason to be excused from this altogether.

Karen23

I started on the Tus Programme mid January and basically it was take the job or lose my Job Seekers money.

Fortunately I really like the job but in 12 months I'll be back on the dole so I don't really see the point.

If I find a job in the mean time I can leave the programme.

JohnMc1

Karen23 wrote: »

I started on the Tus Programme mid January and basically it was take the job or lose my Job Seekers money.

Fortunately I really like the job but in 12 months I'll be back on the dole so I don't really see the point.

If I find a job in the mean time I can leave the programme.

That's interesting because I was told you aren't forced to take it them and it won't effect your benefits.

Karen23

People on Job seekers face losing their money if they turn down work , the Tus Programme offers you work for 12 months and a refusal to take part can affect your benefits. Thats what they told me.

tipster

ivegot something with tus looking forward to it and just wondering how long it takes to start after signing the forms and giving the bank details etc.i done this about 2 and a half weeks ago and i havent heard a thing since

JohnMc1

Karen23 wrote: »

People on Job seekers face losing their money if they turn down work , the Tus Programme offers you work for 12 months and a refusal to take part can affect your benefits. Thats what they told me.

I guess it depends on where you are and how many position are available. Kilkenny only has 80 places ( and most of them are already taken) so I guess here they can't use the "Take it or else." approach.

Karen23

tipster wrote: »

ivegot something with tus looking forward to it and just wondering how long it takes to start after signing the forms and giving the bank details etc.i done this about 2 and a half weeks ago and i havent heard a thing since

Mine start date took longer because I needed Garda Clearance , but I started in the job a month after giving bank details.

I'm really enjoying the job and I'm already dreading the end of the 12 months.

ATR180

tipster wrote: »

ivegot something with tus looking forward to it and just wondering how long it takes to start after signing the forms and giving the bank details etc.i done this about 2 and a half weeks ago and i havent heard a thing since

Went 4 this interview mid december and only got reply for position mid march.....start next week......yippppppppeeeeeeeeeeeee........LOL:cool:

ronanm666

hi all i recently received a letter about participating in the Tús scheme and wouldn't mind doing it but my partner works full time so i would have to pay someone to mind our son while i do it i wonder if that is a good enough reason to be excused from participating?

Zodiacc

Karen23 wrote: »

People on Job seekers face losing their money if they turn down work , the Tus Programme offers you work for 12 months and a refusal to take part can affect your benefits. Thats what they told me.

Thats what I was told aswell, but what happens if you get sick in the meantime? what do you do? is your Jobseekers cut or do you go on certs what way does it work?does anyone know...

Zodiacc

ATR180 wrote: »

Went 4 this interview mid december and only got reply for position mid march.....start next week......yippppppppeeeeeeeeeeeee........LOL:cool:

3.5 mths that was a wait...did u get a line of work to match your skills and give you what you wanted?

ATR180

no stuck me in the bushes with **** tools and told to thrash my way out ......lol:cool:

Zodiacc

are you learning anything?was it worth your while?

Karen23

I love my placement but I know there's no funding in the company to keep me on when my contract finishes in January , I'm raging cos I'd love to stay on.

So after doing that the Social Welfare wanted me to do I'll still be back on the dole when my year is up. I can't see why they can't extend contracts for people who want to continue , they're going to end up paying me anyway at least this way I'd be doing something for it.

Zodiacc

Karen23 wrote: »

I love my placement but I know there's no funding in the company to keep me on when my contract finishes in January , I'm raging cos I'd love to stay on.

So after doing that the Social Welfare wanted me to do I'll still be back on the dole when my year is up. I can't see why they can't extend contracts for people who want to continue , they're going to end up paying me anyway at least this way I'd be doing something for it.

if you're enjoyin it and they are guna av t pay you anyway they should extend the contract at your request....

EireIceMan

I went in the end of may. Got offered.a job iv always wanted to. Gave bank details, filled out Garda vetting, have not heard anything since, despite calling in twice and being promised a call back. Beginning to think its another joke scheme to keep people in jobs and make the government look like they are doing something.

Genowefa

Zodiacc wrote: »

Thats what I was told aswell, but what happens if you get sick in the meantime? what do you do? is your Jobseekers cut or do you go on certs what way does it work?does anyone know...

When you take up the "job" you sign contract with your new "employer". It is like a standard employment contract, so you are entitled to 10 or 11 days of annual leave. You are also entitled to sick leave (number of days will be stated in your contract).
The SW stops paying you from then and you're being paid by your new employer. This also means, that your name is no longer on life register. Govt (and media, of course) will say that unemployment rate has fallen

Karen23

Genowefa wrote: »

When you take up the "job" you sign contract with your new "employer". It is like a standard employment contract, so you are entitled to 10 or 11 days of annual leave. You are also entitled to sick leave (number of days will be stated in your contract).
The SW stops paying you from then and you're being paid by your new employer. This also means, that your name is no longer on life register. Govt (and media, of course) will say that unemployment rate has fallen

The employer doesn't pay you , Pobal does.

* Pobal is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status that manages various funding programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU

Genowefa

Karen23 wrote: »

The employer doesn't pay you , Pobal does.

* Pobal is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status that manages various funding programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU

In my case it's other organization. A Local Development Company funded by the Irish Government.

Backstreet Moyes

Just a few questions. It looks like i will be getting an office job if i am successful. Coming upto Christmas and money is tight just wondering do you get any grants to get suits or even shirts and trousers. Or do you get any allowance for travel. I dont mind taking up a course but it seems like it will be costing me more money than anything.

Genowefa

Nuts102 wrote: »

Just a few questions. It looks like i will be getting an office job if i am successful. Coming upto Christmas and money is tight just wondering do you get any grants to get suits or even shirts and trousers. Or do you get any allowance for travel. I dont mind taking up a course but it seems like it will be costing me more money than anything.

you should ask the organization you will work for. They might pay for your work clothing after considering your circumstances.

Karen23

Nuts102 wrote: »

Just a few questions. It looks like i will be getting an office job if i am successful. Coming upto Christmas and money is tight just wondering do you get any grants to get suits or even shirts and trousers. Or do you get any allowance for travel. I dont mind taking up a course but it seems like it will be costing me more money than anything.

It costs me money , I was told there was no clothing or travel allowance. From the extra €20 I get I pay €10.62 PRSI leaving €9.38. I pay more than €9.38 in petrol every week getting to and from work.

ATR180

I WAS SUPPL[ED WITH SUITABLE CLOTHING MIND YOU I AM WORKING OUTSIDE....IF YOU ARE TO START AN OFFICE JOB YOU TOO SHOULD BE SUPPLIED WITH SUITABLE CLOTHING.......MIND YOU I CAN NOTN SEE YOU WEARING AN ARMANI..................................LOL:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

pudsey0

Hi guys,

I just got a letter about this Tus programme today. I've been out of work for just over a year, and a few months ago I would have jumped at the chance but recently I've begun thinking of starting my own business. Last week I started browsing FAS courses on business start-ups and attaining the skills necessary to get off the ground. There's a ten week course starting in Jan I'm applying for which I could really benefit from.
The thing is I may not even get on a FAS Course in January and if I miss a deadline for accepting a Tus job could they stop my payment?
After reading the threads on this subject I'm starting to think that SW may think I'm just going for a FAS course to avoid Tus.. And I'll be back signing after 10 weeks. Tus I'm sure for some people is excellent, but I cant help but think that although you're back in the workforce temporarily, ultimately your back in the the same position, just twelve months older.
And if I'm lucky enough to get a place on the FAS course, will I be able to sign back on after that until I organise myself, raise enough capital etc to start the business.

I dont know what to do, if I accept a Tus job I'll be back in 12 months. If I go for FAS, and subsequent start-up I could have a growing business in 12 months. But if turn down the Tus and dont get the FAS my payment could be stopped?!!

Quite confused here, any help would be great!! :-)

BostonB

Did they tell you where you are in the list for the FAS course. How many are waiting for it, and how many courses are being run?

Karen23

Karen23 wrote: »

It costs me money , I was told there was no clothing or travel allowance. From the extra €20 I get I pay €10.62 PRSI leaving €9.38. I pay more than €9.38 in petrol every week getting to and from work.

I finished my Tus placement today but for the last two weeks since the budget changes came into effect I have been paying €15.70 PRSI from the €20 top up so I actually only came out with €4.30 extra after working 19.5 hours.

dubscribe

Does anyone know what are considered valid reasons for refusing to take a placement?

I received an "invite" letter from Tús and wrote back giving what I considered 3 valid reasons not to participate:

a) I live in a tiny seaside village, rely on public transport and if I were placed in the nearest town I could be 36-55 euro a week worse off due to travel costs.

b) I did a 9-month Jobbridge Internship last year in my village and would not go back there again due my bad experience (the only local community option I'm aware of)

c) I'm hoping to relocate later this year to an area where I might have a better chance of getting a real, decent paying job.

I did say, if they were not happy with my explanations and I was in danger of having my benefits cut to let me know immediately.
They got the letter yesterday; I got a phone call this morning.
Basically if I do not agree to sign up for the scheme, my benefits will be cut.

Yet I read elsewhere on the boards that being substantially out of pocket is a valid reason to decline a placement

It's bad enough being forced into cheap labour, but to be made destitute, which I would be if my current SW benefits were reduced as a result of the cost of travel.... what the hell?????

Readyhed

dubscribe wrote: »

Does anyone know what are considered valid reasons for refusing to take a placement?

I received an "invite" letter from Tús and wrote back giving what I considered 3 valid reasons not to participate:

a) I live in a tiny seaside village, rely on public transport and if I were placed in the nearest town I could be 36-55 euro a week worse off due to travel costs.

b) I did a 9-month Jobbridge Internship last year in my village and would not go back there again due my bad experience (the only local community option I'm aware of)

c) I'm hoping to relocate later this year to an area where I might have a better chance of getting a real, decent paying job.

I did say, if they were not happy with my explanations and I was in danger of having my benefits cut to let me know immediately.
They got the letter yesterday; I got a phone call this morning.
Basically if I do not agree to sign up for the scheme, my benefits will be cut.

Yet I read elsewhere on the boards that being substantially out of pocket is a valid reason to decline a placement

It's bad enough being forced into cheap labour, but to be made destitute, which I would be if my current SW benefits were reduced as a result of the cost of travel.... what the hell?????

I got one of these letters yesterday and my circumstances are similar to yours.

I would be really interested to know how it ended up for you.

dubscribe

When I explained my situation, the lady interviewing me (there were two interviewers) seemed most sympathetic about my circumstances. Essentially, with my travel restrictions because of costs, she assured me I would not be called upon unless there was something very local that would work with the bus time-table.

She had in fact 3 vacancies to fill in the general area but because I did JobBridge last year in the same place that had two of the 3 vacancies, she understood why I wouldn't want to commit to another 12 months there.

Similarly, with the 3rd vacancy, it wouldn't work with my restrictions on the local bus service, which is rather sparse.

In all honesty, I think it depends on who interviews you. From a personal perspective, I have to say, the TUS interviewers were very understanding about my personal circumstances.

I suggest you go along to the interview and explain your circumstances. Hopefully your interviewers will be as accommodating as mine were.

Readyhed

Excellent. Thanks for the feedback. Glad you got it sorted out.

mcgocks

i've being good at the interview because of being scared and told them i was almost eager, they select me then i find out i'm out of pocket i complain and get abuse but social welfare and other partnership department backs me up wtf i am still forced in to this? not fair

EireIceMan

mcgocks wrote: »

i've being good at the interview because of being scared and told them i was almost eager, they select me then i find out i'm out of pocket i complain and get abuse but social welfare and other partnership department backs me up wtf i am still forced in to this? not fair

Its a joke of a scheme. Since the budget im being taxed 23.50 a week. Meaning im getting 3e less than on the dole and driving everyday. Really struggling every week. Your damned if you do and damned if you dont.

mcgocks

omg thats worse than i am getting taxed well. madness. do you work as well on top of that or include dependants you are claiming for

smiley_face400

For those of you paying any PRSI or Universal tax, this is emergency tax that you shouldn't be paying. It seems to happen to everyone on Tus but if you get on to the tax office and give them the employer number they'll sort it out and you'll get it all back.

I end up with about the same as I was on the dole as it costs me €19.50 a week to get in and out on the bus. I kept on complaining about it and am now getting a travel allowance on top of my extra €20, just keep at them and they'll eventually do something about it although it probably depends on your Tus supervisor.

As far as I am aware you're still eligible for FAS courses. I started my placement in May but had applied for a management course with FAS and was on the waiting list. Got a call in September to enroll. The only problem is if the hours on the course clash with your hours on the placement. With BTEA you're not eligible unless you leave the scheme and sign back on. Again, talk with your supervisor if this is the route you're going and they should be able to sort something out for you. You're technically still considered as on JSA/JSB even though you're not signing on during the placement so there shouldn't be a problem with it although it may require some extra paperwork.