Penalty Rates of JB will not be applied to persons aged 62 +

danjo-xx

Can anyone explain what this means exactly.

also this, again JSB

Activation measures, resulting in the application of Penalty Rates, will not be applied to persons aged 62 +

Balagan

New arrangements for older jobseekers
The Minister is also announcing new provisions for older people who have left work before reaching the State pension age of 66 and who wish to claim a Jobseeker’s payment. Ordinarily, people in receipt of a Jobseeker’s payment must engage with the Department’s activation process and can face penalty rates if they refuse to engage with Department offers of training or education. These criteria will now be eased for people aged 62 and over in light of their contribution to society. They will still be able to avail voluntarily of an array of supports which are available from the Department if they wish to return to work, training or education. However, penalty rates will not be applied to this cohort should they decide they do not wish to engage with the activation process.

The Minister said: “Following an examination of existing legislation which compels jobseekers to engage with activation processes, I have instructed Departmental staff that, from January 2014, such compulsory conditions will no longer be applied to older people who seek the support of the Jobseekers schemes in advance of pension age. In addition, arrangements will be made so that these older people will have to register with their local office only once a year and will have their Jobseeker payments paid directly into their bank accounts,” said the Minister.

“This instruction means that people on the Jobseeker’s schemes aged 62 years or over will not be subjected to the activation-related sanctions which are provided for in legislation, such as payment rate reductions and temporary withdrawal of benefit. However, where a person aged over 62 needs support to re-skill or re-train they may voluntarily seek to avail of these supports – in this way we will continue to support longer working while acknowledging the contribution of those moving towards retirement.”
http://www.welfare.ie/en/pressoffice/pdf/pr231013.pdf

danjo-xx

Hi Balagan, many thanks for digging that up, it's very interesting, would you read from that, that there is no need for 62+ to have to provide proof of looking for work.

Balagan

danjo-xx wrote: »

Hi Balagan, many thanks for digging that up, it's very interesting, would you read from that, that there is no need for 62+ to have to provide proof of looking for work.

Just seems to promises no penalties imposed if they refuse offers of training and/or education. Would think the usual criteria for JB/JA applies about being available for and seeking full time work and being able to document job searches.

MouseTail

Balagan wrote: »

Just seems to promises no penalties imposed if they refuse offers of training and/or education. Would think the usual criteria for JB/JA applies about being available for and seeking full time work and being able to document job searches.

Reads same to me, no need to reskill or upskill, or participate in supported employment (but they wont be barred from doing so should they wish). Very pragmatic and practical imo.

danjo-xx

In addition, arrangements will be made so that these older people will have to register with their local office only once a year

Does this mean that I only have to sign on once a year, and not monthly, looks like it.

mrsbyrne

....but i would keep signing monthly till you get a letter telling you otherwise:)

danjo-xx

mrsbyrne wrote: »

....but i would keep signing monthly till you get a letter telling you otherwise:)

absoutely, if it aint in writing it doesnt exist:D