Tús Programme

KaputFalc0n

Hi all;

I've a question in relation to the Tús scheme, I recently finished college at the end of May and have been claiming Job Seekers since. I was claiming before college and during I was on the Back To Education payment. I received a letter during the week stating that I had been randomly selected to take part in the Tús scheme and go for the interview to apply for a place. The thing is though is that from what I've heard from a lot of people is that the scheme is basically an excuse for slave labor (I don't know if I'd be that dramatic) but that a lot of the jobs offered are basically the odd jobs that no-one else wants and that it's just a way to create the illusion of getting all the countries unemployed people into work.

Now it's not exactly the kind of work offered that worries me, more-so the fact that I'm JUST out of college and I'm not quite sure a summer is exactly enough time to find work in an area I just spent the last few years studying in, and I don't think it's quite fair to put me into a job for the next year that isn't going to get me anywhere and one where you can't request to stay on in the event that you actually like it. This is where I'd be inclined to side with anyone who claims the scheme in just indentured servitude (again, slightly dramatic). Now they say that I can refuse the scheme on the grounds that I have a good reason, but from what I've heard the people in charge don't quite care that much for any kind of excuses, good or not.

I plan on refusing the scheme on the grounds that:

Firstly, I read up a little on Tús on the citizens information site, and it says to be eligible for the scheme in the first place you must be unemployed for a period of 12 months (they expect me to work full-time AND go to college full-time?) and that you must be claiming Job Seekers for a period of 12 months (I have been receiving it for less that 4 months, unless they're counting the BTE???).

Secondly, if no work opportunities appear before Christmas/early January I was planning on applying for a new course, so if I was on the Tús scheme by say October or November this year, if I was accepted into a course I'd be starting in August/September next year and therefore not able to complete the full year on the scheme. I don't quite know what would happen in this circumstance. Also; I don't know if being on the Tús scheme would affect any grants etc. that I could apply for.

Lastly, I just don't think it's fair to expect me to find work in the space of four months after finishing college, especially with the state of the jobs market at the moment, in my area of skill or outside of it.

Sorry for the essay, but I'm just not sure what to do and to be honest I'm stressing out a bit :-( If you're still with me then my question would be, are the reasons I've given here enough grounds for me to refuse the placement?

kissmequick

I don't think the 12 months bit is set in stone. I understand your predicament, but unfortunately, tl/dr, they can do what they like and you have to comply, it's up to you after that whether you want to go along with it or not, or risk getting your Jobseeker's Payment cut or cancelled. Granted I don't actually know of anyone that has had theirs reduced / removed, I wonder how far do they take things if ya refuse to engage with them......

But going on Tús won't actually hinder your applying for jobs, you can go on Tús now and get an extra 20 a week and have the Tús Placement as something to add to your CV, and there's nothing stopping you sending off for jobs while yer on Tús. They should allow you appropriate time off too to attend any Interviews. Just because you're on Tús, it doesn't mean that you can't be looking for a full-time job more suited to what you want to do or what you've studied.

MouseTail

Would a jobbridge be more suitable? I don't think the issues you outlined will be seen as legitimate reasons to turn down a placement.

KaputFalc0n

I gave it a bit of thought and had a bit of an idea; a local primary school I know accepts people on these kind of schemes (Tús, JobsBridge etc.) Before I went to college I did a FETAC course, and for the work experience I did it IN the school (I studied IT by the way) If I were to suggest this place at the interview in relation to matching me with work suitable to my skills would they take it under consideration or would I get roasted for speaking up? The school would be handy as I got to know the staff pretty well and as far as I know I left a good impression :-P :-)