Name and Shame Job Bridge

boiledsweets · 04-10-2012 12:27PM

In the long term it is better to have a load of tax returnable paying workers,and the company paying tax than it is to have job bridge and fas being on the state payroll that cost alone will make whatever the government get back negligable..

allibastor · 04-10-2012 12:35PM

boiledsweets wrote: »

In the long term it is better to have a load of tax returnable paying workers,and the company paying tax than it is to have job bridge and fas being on the state payroll that cost alone will make whatever the government get back negligable..

yeah, in the long term sure, but in the short term the governemnt are trying anything and everything to ensure that any business has every oppertunity to make sure they remain profitable. it is very much the business interests above the workers interests.

handlemaster · 04-10-2012 12:38PM

Its clearly a bridge too far for some people

micromary · 04-10-2012 01:43PM

I have gone to the Fingal County Enterprise Board for the last few days. It has been very positive and a really great experience. Thank God there is a group doing something great at the moment.

Unfortunately I returned home and in my mailbox I have "another" mail from a jobbridge waste of space advising again that they plan to get in touch with me in the next week and for the upteeth time that I have not been forgotten, but the cat is sick, I'm at a make believe conference, Johnny got sick at school, phone broke down etc.

I wrote back advising don't bother wasting my time again as I am not interesting. I am starting to send unpolite emails back because these a*****les are p***ing me off bigtime:mad:

rude awakening · 04-10-2012 08:44PM

In angry mode here at the Mo.
Im not goin to mention names cos I want to leave the door open.
However I was judt om FAS.IE and saw the 2 internships I just done with the same company back up, promoting another 6 month internship.

I was only told by one manager they didnt have the resources to hire me.
As I said before I kept hearing the phrases "for the time your here", "while your here", "I hope you take some information with you while your here".

But now i know for a fact its just cheap labor. Lost respect for both managers

donegal11 · 04-10-2012 09:47PM

rude awakening wrote: »

In angry mode here at the Mo.
Im not goin to mention names cos I want to leave the door open.
However I was judt om FAS.IE and saw the 2 internships I just done with the same company back up, promoting another 6 month internship.

I was only told by one manager they didnt have the resources to hire me.
As I said before I kept hearing the phrases "for the time your here", "while your here", "I hope you take some information with you while your here".

But now i know for a fact its just cheap labor. Lost respect for both managers

Report them to fas and see what they say. They increased the time gap between internships from 3 to 6 months for the same position to stop this.
" you want to take on an individual for the same position in the same area, a cooling off period for 6 months will apply to stop revolving internships.
If one placement finishes and you wish to take on an individual in a different area you may do so providing you do not exceed your quota of placements at any one time". But between you and this on scambridge I don't think fas even know or care about the policy.

"The woman who was in this position previously, (not even a week ago) was recently told there would be no employment opportunities at the end of her internship. However, having left not even a week the company are already advertising for a new internship."

donegal11 · 05-10-2012 12:55AM

^^ How many interns did your company take on? as soon as one group left you got in some more? :rolleyes: If a company takes on 10 interns and hires only one then is that a bad reflection on the company or the interns?

Anyway What type of work where they doing that they weren't doing "properly" ? and I notice you say towards the end of the internship, surprize surprize at the end of nine months of working for the dole without a hint of a job do you think they should be working flat out.

Funny how there were no problems at the beginning and kept them on for nine months but at the end (when it came to hiring) they were all dossers and being the great company you are decided to get some more.

EDIT user deleted post but it went like this

er1983 wrote:

Myself and my friend work in diff companies, we have seen interns not doing job properly towards end of internship which resulted in company not keeping them but we got more free interns in straight after........

I notice that he's offering to work as an accountant(in Waterford) so I bet he's telling telling all this clients(diff companies) about working the scheme. So embarrassed by this post and not wanting to respond he deleted it .

allibastor · 05-10-2012 07:21AM

donegal11 wrote: »

^^ How many interns did your company take on? as soon as one group left you got in some more? :rolleyes: If a company takes on 10 interns and hires only one then is that a bad reflection on the company or the interns?

Anyway What type of work where they doing that they weren't doing "properly" ? and I notice you say towards the end of the internship, surprize surprize at the end of nine months of working for the dole without a hint of a job do you think they should be working flat out.

Funny how there were no problems at the beginning and kept them on for nine months but at the end (when it came to hiring) they were all dossers and being the great company you are decided to get some more.

What? I dont think the person speaking there has a company, i think it was for a company they did an internship for:

intellectual dosser · 05-10-2012 08:09AM

Does anybody think that with (a lot) of tweaking this scheme could actually work? In many instances JobBridge simply need to enforce existing rules and guidelines (and basic ethics!):

- I don't think companies are presently allowed to demand experience from applicants. I saw back in this thread one ad looking for X level qualification and EIGHT years experience - have that company no shame? Someone from JobBridge needs to be policing this.

- A lot of the jobs posted are B/S, and it would be easy to say that JobBridge should be approving jobs based on standards etc. But what about really disadvantaged people who would never expect to get a start in life - this could be their only hope. I'm on the fence on this one.

- ANYONE can apply for a JobBridge internship. Companies are advertising jobs, interviewing applicants, offering internships, only to eventually find out that 50% of them aren't eligible for the scheme. Applicants either aren't aware of the criteria necessary or they are just playing along assuming something will be sorted out. Its a major waste of time for the company and they get disillusioned with the entire program, deterring them from hiring further. There are some simple solutions to this - as if JobBridge would implement them. Its gotten to the point that they for are looking for evidence up front, which doesnt come across with a lot of courtesy regardless of how they approach it.

Fix the above, and JobBridge in general might have a more positive outlook.

JohnMarston · 05-10-2012 09:44AM

Saw at least 5 jobs that were right in my wheelhouse while job hunting yesterday.

All internships :mad:

ABajaninCork · 05-10-2012 10:07AM

Came across an internship yesterday on the website. I was interested as it was in a field where I thought my skills fitted well, and it would give me good experience in a different field.

To my astonishment it was at a company where my husband just finished a stint doing some temp work there. And I know for a fact there will be no job at the end of it as this particular company only employ temps and contractors. There's only about 10 permanent staff on site. I don't want to give too many details, as it's a very well known firm in Cork.

Very depressing.

brianinspain · 05-10-2012 10:33AM

sky2424 wrote: »

Ask to meet the manager again for a quick chat and reiterate that you're disappointed that your internship is extended but are willing to continue for another 3 months on the basis that you recieve something a bit more concrete and that he and HR draw up your contract Now and issue you a signed copy. Ask him to ensure that this confirms your start date, salary, if you will be subject to a 6 month probationary period even though youve had a 9 month work period by the time you start( and the other usuals- annual leave entitlement, sick pay and holiday allowance.)
[*]Aknowledge that the company are not going to pay you a salary for now but ask for expenses to be paid for the now additonal 3 months unpaid- lunch, travel, rent. It'll still amount to a lot less than salary but if the company are true to their word, then they'll be decent enough to at least cover your expenses

Contracts signed this morning for a full time permanent job starting on March 1st. Happy(ish) days.

Thankfully in my case it has worked out. I was always confident enough that the employer was always going to keep me on but thanks to jobbridge I am now working an extra 3 months for zilch. I guess I will just have to wait now till Christmas 2013 for Santa to stick some presents under my tree

ABajaninCork · 05-10-2012 10:35AM

But you'll get your presents -right??

Anything good's worth waiting for.

Congrats on the new job. A long and difficult road, but you got there. Give yourself a standing ovation sir!!!

ABajaninCork · 05-10-2012 10:36AM

Don't forget to treat yourself to something nice from your first month's salary!

brianinspain · 05-10-2012 10:44AM

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Don't forget to treat yourself to something nice from your first month's salary!

Thanks. At this rate I wont even get paid in time for Paddys day. Maybe the Easter bunny will be good to me instead

hazel10 · 05-10-2012 10:59AM

A friend of mine actually got a job from Job Bridge. When she went in to social welfare offices the girl there couldn't believe it. She kept asking her you actually got a job from your internship??? It's shocking how badly run it is.
I did an internship, didn't get a job from it. My boss was telling his clients don't take on full time employees, use job bridge because you won't have to pay for 9 months. A complete joke. Job bridge is a good idea, but the employer should pay something to the employee. I enjoyed the work and got good experience but I didn't enjoy working for free.

Mrs OBumble · 05-10-2012 12:13PM

ABajaninCork wrote: »

To my astonishment it was at a company where my husband just finished a stint doing some temp work there. And I know for a fact there will be no job at the end of it as this particular company only employ temps and contractors.

Let's be very clear: there is no expectation that a JobBridge employer will give you a job at the end of your time working there.

Many years ago, I worked for a FAS-like organisation (in terms of purpose, not performance

) that administered an employment assistance scheme.

Under this scheme, the government paid a subsidy to the employer, and the employer paid the employee at least minimum wage. And at the start, the employer had to sign a contract saying that they expected to keep the staff member on at the end of the J+.

Even with this expectation, sometimes it didn't happen: some employers blatantly lied. But it happened a lot more than it does here, were there is simply an expectation that having experience makes you more employable in the industry.

ABajaninCork · 05-10-2012 12:29PM

JustMary wrote: »

Let's be very clear: there is no expectation that a JobBridge employer will give you a job at the end of your time working there.

Many years ago, I worked for a FAS-like organisation (in terms of purpose, not performance ) that administered an employment assistance scheme.

Under this scheme, the government paid a subsidy to the employer, and the employer paid the employee at least minimum wage. And at the start, the employer had to sign a contract saying that they expected to keep the staff member on at the end of the J+.

Even with this expectation, sometimes it didn't happen: some employers blatantly lied. But it happened a lot more than it does here, were there is simply an expectation that having experience makes you more employable in the industry.

Yes. I am well aware of that. This is information that I know. The point remains. How many poor saps will take that internship (for example) putting heart & soul into it, only to find there is no realistic chance of employment at the end? What were they told at interview? I bet pound to a penny, the 'carrot' of a job at the end was dangled before them...

I've said this before. I think the principle of Jobbridge is a good one. Sadly, with the lack of proper, robust checks and balances we are seeing many more examples of greedy employers (and there are multinationals among that number) who will take the opportunity to ruthlessly exploit people who are desperate to work and want to contribute to society.

How in the name of God can that be right?

donegal11 · 05-10-2012 02:29PM

allibastor wrote: »

What? I dont think the person speaking there has a company, i think it was for a company they did an internship for:

Original user deleted post but it went like this

er1983 wrote:

Myself and my friend work in diff companies, we have seen interns not doing job properly towards end of internship which resulted in company not keeping them but we go more free interns in straight after........

miss choc · 05-10-2012 02:34PM

I got an email from Scambridge (I had emailed them about my Intern experience) They are having a meeting about it on Sunday at 3pm at Wynns hotel at Middle Abbey St if anyone interested in voicing their opinion about it.

Maggiesims · 05-10-2012 03:00PM

Has anyone taken a job bridge position at a local county council, and if so what was it like or more importantly is there any chance of been kept on after.

Thanks in advance.

donegal11 · 05-10-2012 03:15PM

^ none, public bodies aren't hiring.

alwaysadub · 05-10-2012 05:46PM

Maggiesims wrote: »

Has anyone taken a job bridge position at a local county council, and if so what was it like or more importantly is there any chance of been kept on after.

Thanks in advance.

Not a chance you'll be kept on, there is an morotorium on taking on staff.
Working in a county council myself as an intern, nearly finished my 9 months. They are just constantly churning out new interns through jobbridge

sky2424 · 06-10-2012 07:10AM

brianinspain wrote: »

sky2424 wrote: »

Ask to meet the manager again for a quick chat and reiterate that you're disappointed that your internship is extended but are willing to continue for another 3 months on the basis that you recieve something a bit more concrete and that he and HR draw up your contract Now and issue you a signed copy. Ask him to ensure that this confirms your start date, salary, if you will be subject to a 6 month probationary period even though youve had a 9 month work period by the time you start( and the other usuals- annual leave entitlement, sick pay and holiday allowance.)
[*]Aknowledge that the company are not going to pay you a salary for now but ask for expenses to be paid for the now additonal 3 months unpaid- lunch, travel, rent. It'll still amount to a lot less than salary but if the company are true to their word, then they'll be decent enough to at least cover your expenses

Contracts signed this morning for a full time permanent job starting on March 1st. Happy(ish) days.

Thankfully in my case it has worked out. I was always confident enough that the employer was always going to keep me on but thanks to jobbridge I am now working an extra 3 months for zilch. I guess I will just have to wait now till Christmas 2013 for Santa to stick some presents under my tree

Absolutely delighted for you, well done!!

micromary · 08-10-2012 11:34AM

Did anybody go to the mtg in Wynns yesterday? I could not make it but wud have loved to have seen if there is anybody positive come out of it.

Sorry if I sound like a broken record, but I sent off 20 CV's to Jobbridge employers last week. I have had no response of even acknowledgment of even receiving the CV from any of them, and one thecathers.ie adv she would be very interested in me for the position and who promised to ring back is not even answering my calls:mad:. A complete piss take. There are not even jobs where I can use my German language skills. I am even getting a much better response from paid jobs. At least they are acknowledging me sending the damn CV and I have a few interviews lined up.

With this, I have just given up on Jobbridge totally. It is a pure waste of time & energy. If FAS or the govt want to force me to work for my social fair enough let them make suggestions. Otherwise I will prepare for my interviews and keep going to the gym etc and trying to do positive things.

allibastor · 08-10-2012 02:26PM

Maggiesims wrote: »

Has anyone taken a job bridge position at a local county council, and if so what was it like or more importantly is there any chance of been kept on after.

Thanks in advance.

None, there is a recruitment embargo on so they cant take anyone one. Dont waste your time

starlit · 08-10-2012 02:53PM

I've seen jobbridges advertised with the local county council too and had worked in the public service previously and it was due to the government embargo that I was unable to continue working there.

It was to be lifted by now after 3 years but seems like it still continuing unless they short staffed but it all temporary staff they taken on if permanent its only those working internally get the opportunity to work within the confines of the public/civil service. Only so few external candidates can get a permanent position any more its all temporary jobs at the moment there which is unfair. I was stunned to see they were even advertising on the jobbridge scheme at all.

Most of the jobs on publicjobs.ie are for EU positions not many in Ireland only selective few jobs be for everyone.

Mircomary have you considered going into the area of translation/teaching/lecturing/customer service where you you'd use your german language? What area is your discipline?

allibastor · 08-10-2012 03:16PM

doovdela wrote: »

I've seen jobbridges advertised with the local county council too and had worked in the public service previously and it was due to the government embargo that I was unable to continue working there.

It was to be lifted by now after 3 years but seems like it still continuing unless they short staffed but it all temporary staff they taken on if permanent its only those working internally get the opportunity to work within the confines of the public/civil service. Only so few external candidates can get a permanent position any more its all temporary jobs at the moment there which is unfair. I was stunned to see they were even advertising on the jobbridge scheme at all.

Most of the jobs on publicjobs.ie are for EU positions not many in Ireland only selective few jobs be for everyone.

Mircomary have you considered going into the area of translation/teaching/lecturing/customer service where you you'd use your german language? What area is your discipline?

Sure why would they lift it, they now have a seady stream of free workers. I know 3 people who are working in the same councisl they did a few years ago, doing the same job they would have been paid 30k+ a year, now doing it for free cause they position contracts closed up for paying roles, but then opened up on job bridge. now if that doesnt scream shennagnigans i dont know what does.

road_high · 08-10-2012 03:21PM

I can kinda understand someone taking one of these Scambridges in a private co where they'd be hopefully a job at the end and/or prospects of one....but why take one in the Public Service where your chance is zip of getting a real job after it?
If people continue to take these things well then of course it's going to continue.

road_high · 08-10-2012 03:24PM

micromary wrote: »

Did anybody go to the mtg in Wynns yesterday? I could not make it but wud have loved to have seen if there is anybody positive come out of it.

Sorry if I sound like a broken record, but I sent off 20 CV's to Jobbridge employers last week. I have had no response of even acknowledgment of even receiving the CV from any of them, and one thecathers.ie adv she would be very interested in me for the position and who promised to ring back is not even answering my calls:mad:. A complete piss take. There are not even jobs where I can use my German language skills. I am even getting a much better response from paid jobs. At least they are acknowledging me sending the damn CV and I have a few interviews lined up.

With this, I have just given up on Jobbridge totally. It is a pure waste of time & energy. If FAS or the govt want to force me to work for my social fair enough let them make suggestions. Otherwise I will prepare for my interviews and keep going to the gym etc and trying to do positive things.

My advice; focus your efforts entirely here...
I think because the "emplyers" are not paying any wage they view the "interns" on a lesser footing than paid employees hence the flippant attidude youre seeing when you apply for the scam...ahem "job"!

Name and Shame Job Bridge

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