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TUS Programme

  • 16-08-2012 5:08pm
    #1
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1



    MOD NOTE - Updated 24/02/2014
    Some posts on this thread are very close to breaking the forum charter (and in some cases are). Posters are reminded to read the forum charter to see what it acceptable or not.
    Also posters on this forum are not posting in any official capacity, and do not have to declare their positions (if any) when questioned on same,

    This is a forum for people to ask for advice, and in some cases may be experiencing difficult personal circumstances. For some people JobBridge may be a good, and welcome choice for them. Thee is to be no more mention of JobBridge being a scam, fraud, etc (or any discussion among same lines). There may be a home for that kind of discussion on Boards.ie but it definitely isn't here.


    Hi Had a letter from Social Protection inviting me to participate on a TUS Programme. I have done an internet search and there seems to be very little "chatter" about it from people who have been on it, does anyone have any experience of it? I know how much it pays and a broad idea of what type of jobs etc, but would like some first hand experience from people in the know. Sounds a bit like a CE Scheme.


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Comments

  • #2
    ChaBB
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭ChaBB


    I have an interview for this too, how did it go for you ?

    anyone with any info, much appreciated.


  • #3
    dodzy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    rsole1 wrote: »
    Hi Had a letter from Social Protection inviting me to participate on a TUS Programme. I have done an internet search and there seems to be very little "chatter" about it from people who have been on it, does anyone have any experience of it? I know how much it pays and a broad idea of what type of jobs etc, but would like some first hand experience from people in the know. Sounds a bit like a CE Scheme.

    You can apply for CE. The selection process for this is however is random, run by DSP, so in effect, a lottery.You CANNOT currently apply for a placement.

    Criteria for selection: 12mths consecutive unemployment and in receipt of JSA.

    And entailing......
    19.5 hrs per week work.
    Work placement in local not for profit organisations.
    1year contract.
    Non-extendable.
    €20 topup on your current benefits plus potentially more (if you are currently means assessed, then you can add this figure on as extra income per week, for example)
    Retain all other current benefits (i.e rent allowance)
    Exempt from USC
    No more post office (for 1yr)*
    No more signing on in your DSP Office (for 1yr)*
    *or if you leave the program, whichever is first.
    You are free to take up other work in conjunction with the scheme
    5000 placement target countrywide since start of program last June.

    This might fill in a few blanks for you guys.


  • #4
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    ChaBB wrote: »
    I have an interview for this too, how did it go for you ?

    anyone with any info, much appreciated.

    I sent back the letter by the 16th August as stated, and as of yet not heard anything.


  • #5
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    dodzy wrote: »
    You can apply for CE. The selection process for this is however is random, run by DSP, so in effect, a lottery.You CANNOT currently apply for a placement.

    Criteria for selection: 12mths consecutive unemployment and in receipt of JSA.

    And entailing......
    19.5 hrs per week work.
    Work placement in local not for profit organisations.
    1year contract.
    Non-extendable.
    €20 topup on your current benefits plus potentially more (if you are currently means assessed, then you can add this figure on as extra income per week, for example)
    Retain all other current benefits (i.e rent allowance)
    Exempt from USC
    No more post office (for 1yr)*
    No more signing on in your DSP Office (for 1yr)*
    *or if you leave the program, whichever is first.
    You are free to take up other work in conjunction with the scheme
    5000 placement target countrywide since start of program last June.

    This might fill in a few blanks for you guys.

    Thanks for all that Dodzy - but really looking for someone who has worked on this programme.

    Have searched everywhere and only found one person who took a job in a charity shop after her fourth interview.


  • #6
    dodzy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    rsole1 wrote: »
    I sent back the letter by the 16th August as stated, and as of yet not heard anything.
    THe letter you received was first contact ( from DSP ). They will forward your acceptance to your LCDP and they will contact you again offering you an appointment date and time in their local office. That potentially could be the last dealing you will have with DSP for 12mths. Out of interest, what area do you live in ?


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  • #7
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    dodzy wrote: »
    THe letter you received was first contact ( from DSP ). They will forward your acceptance to your LCDP and they will contact you again offering you an appointment date and time in their local office. That potentially could be the last dealing you will have with DSP for 12mths. Out of interest, what area do you live in ?

    Boyle, Co.Roscommon. I know they have 60 places for Ros County.

    My worries are being forced to work in a charity shop.


  • #8
    dodzy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    rsole1 wrote: »
    Boyle, Co.Roscommon. I know they have 60 places for Ros County.

    My worries are being forced to work in a charity shop.
    You cannot be forced to work in a charity shop. They should have options for you. That said, looks like all of roscommon's allocation is full, so basically new participants will be back-filling others who have either left their placement ( for whatever reason ) or have completed the year, so a good variety of options might not be possible

    You can ask for a more suitable placement, examples such as :

    Energy conservation work in homes and community buildings
    Social care of all age groups and people with disabilities
    Caretaking, securing, supervising of community buildings and spaces
    Renovation of community and sporting facilities, including the
    regeneration and enhancement of community, recreation and
    sporting spaces
    Work in support of cultural and heritage activities
    Community administration and community event management
    Coaching for sporting activities
    Repair of equipment for the Third World – for example, farm tools,
    bicycles, computers, sewing machines, health equipment

    Obviously you might not get exactly what you are looking for but generally speaking, compromises will be reached.


  • #9
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    dodzy wrote: »
    You cannot be forced to work in a charity shop. They should have options for you. That said, looks like all of roscommon's allocation is full, so basically new participants will be back-filling others who have either left their placement ( for whatever reason ) or have completed the year, so a good variety of options might not be possible

    You can ask for a more suitable placement, examples such as :

    Energy conservation work in homes and community buildings
    Social care of all age groups and people with disabilities
    Caretaking, securing, supervising of community buildings and spaces
    Renovation of community and sporting facilities, including the
    regeneration and enhancement of community, recreation and
    sporting spaces
    Work in support of cultural and heritage activities
    Community administration and community event management
    Coaching for sporting activities
    Repair of equipment for the Third World – for example, farm tools,
    bicycles, computers, sewing machines, health equipment

    Obviously you might not get exactly what you are looking for but generally speaking, compromises will be reached.

    It could be Social Protection just sending out these letters in the hope that people refuse to take up the offer of work, so they can cut €44 a week from benefits.


  • #10
    dodzy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    rsole1 wrote: »
    It could be Social Protection just sending out these letters in the hope that people refuse to take up the offer of work, so they can cut €44 a week from benefits.
    There are people who, when they receive the initial letter from DSP, will sign off immediately, thus saving the state more than €44 p/week.


  • #11
    hdowney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,921 ✭✭✭✭hdowney


    Can you still look for full time work when on this, and then assuming you secure full time work, leave the placement?

    Also peeved. I got the letter that said they'd pass me on to my local whatever, replied yes, today got a letter from the County Wicklow Partnership calling me for interview - in ARKLOW!! WTF Arklow is not my local. I live in Wicklow Town. I am now expected to get myself to Arklow for the interview, they are just assuming I have access to transport (cos the public transport from Wicklow to Arklow is the biggest pile of....). Also I worry that they will expect me to do my placement in Arklow, and fund myself getting down and back. Bollx to that


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  • #12
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    it is like a ce scheme youre right,its for those who havent been ever at lc or third level..

    its a slave labour scheme,these decrepid agencies suck what could have been a paid job advertised.By any company signing up to TUS they are taking off what could have been a paid job advertised,bascially nullifying any chance of a real paid job.

    What employer will turn around and start paying people with TUS in the way?

    Another thing as well they get state paid pensions ,these junkets cost the state dearly and do nothing by way of giving back a tax paid job to govt back to the community - they are a waste they are junkets and should be shut down.


  • #13
    hdowney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,921 ✭✭✭✭hdowney


    christmas2012 wrote: »
    it is like a ce scheme youre right,its for those who havent been ever at lc or third level..

    its a slave labour scheme,these decrepid agencies suck what could have been a paid job advertised.By any company signing up to TUS they are taking off what could have been a paid job advertised,bascially nullifying any chance of a real paid job.

    What employer will turn around and start paying people with TUS in the way?

    Another thing as well they get state paid pensions ,these junkets cost the state dearly and do nothing by way of giving back a tax paid job to govt back to the community - they are a waste they are junkets and should be shut down.

    It has nothing to do with whether you have been to college or whatnot. I have an LC, a Level 5 and a Level 6 so...


  • #14
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    I was told by a source that TUS schemes are for those with less qualifications,okay so maybe i got it wrong..apologies..


  • #15
    hdowney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,921 ✭✭✭✭hdowney


    christmas2012 wrote: »
    I was told by a source that TUS schemes are for those with less qualifications,okay so maybe i got it wrong..apologies..

    No problems. I wish it was. I don't want to have anything to do with it - I am trying to find a proper job on my own, but if I don't you can bet they'd be quick as a flash to cut me off


  • #16
    dodzy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    hdowney wrote: »
    Can you still look for full time work when on this, and then assuming you secure full time work, leave the placement?
    Yes, its encouraged. And you can do both, if you can work it to suit.
    hdowney wrote: »
    Also peeved. I got the letter that said they'd pass me on to my local whatever, replied yes, today got a letter from the County Wicklow Partnership calling me for interview - in ARKLOW!! WTF Arklow is not my local. I live in Wicklow Town. I am now expected to get myself to Arklow for the interview, they are just assuming I have access to transport (cos the public transport from Wicklow to Arklow is the biggest pile of....). Also I worry that they will expect me to do my placement in Arklow, and fund myself getting down and back. Bollx to that
    That is a valid enough reason. You would not be expected to travel that distance. Being seriously out of pocket as a result of high travel expenses is a valid reason to refuse the placement offer and ask for an alternative.
    christmas2012 wrote: »
    it is like a ce scheme youre right,its for those who havent been ever at lc or third level..

    its a slave labour scheme,these decrepid agencies suck what could have been a paid job advertised.By any company signing up to TUS they are taking off what could have been a paid job advertised,bascially nullifying any chance of a real paid job.

    What employer will turn around and start paying people with TUS in the way?

    Another thing as well they get state paid pensions ,these junkets cost the state dearly and do nothing by way of giving back a tax paid job to govt back to the community - they are a waste they are junkets and should be shut down.
    Only a few posts in and gobsh1te comments already. Why am I not surprised. Get your facts right or GTFO.
    hdowney wrote: »
    It has nothing to do with whether you have been to college or whatnot. I have an LC, a Level 5 and a Level 6 so...
    Absolutely correct. No discrimination in the selection process. It is a random selection.


  • #17
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    re gob****e comment,you can get banned for insults..


    Another thing,are you denying the fact that a. if a company signs up to TUS or FAS that it basically means an employer is getting free labour 2. What is the probability these employers will turn around and pay you?Highly doubful after getting free labour they are going to turn around and employ you. 3. It DOES nullify any chance of that position that could have been advertised as a paid job - it basically turns what could be a paid job into an unpaid job.

    Anyway im done with this post,those are the facts - you dont have to like them.Whether you agree or disagree.


  • #18
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    No problems. I wish it was. I don't want to have anything to do with it - I am trying to find a proper job on my own, but if I don't you can bet they'd be quick as a flash to cut me off
    Oh ya that is the problem people feel forced to go on them - anyway no harm to get a bit of experience anway if you can.But it doesnt guarantee paid work,its like the FAS ce trap im afraid.

    I did a ce job for 2 years and an extra year,got a transfer to a different place and got a couple of extra months,it went ok,but it puts you on the unpaid jobs treadmill to nowhere,i found the whole thing very frustrating,i was with an asshole supervisor on my first fas job,and it was hell,and it needent have been,anyway she got complained to the local fas co ordinator at the fas centre by many,many different members of staff,including the company pay roll staff,and guess what she still wasnt fired..

    These junkets should be wrapped up ,but im all for the experience of what you can put down on your cv..


  • #19
    dodzy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    christmas2012 wrote: »
    re gob****e comment,you can get banned for insults..


    Another thing,are you denying the fact that a. if a company signs up to TUS or FAS that it basically means an employer is getting free labour 2. What is the probability these employers will turn around and pay you?Highly doubful after getting free labour they are going to turn around and employ you. 3. It DOES nullify any chance of that position that could have been advertised as a paid job - it basically turns what could be a paid job into an unpaid job.

    Anyway im done with this post,those are the facts - you dont have to like them.Whether you agree or disagree.

    You are confusing Tús with Internships. Tús placements are only with Not-for-profit organisations. There can be no job displacement. There would not have been any paid jobs advertised in the absence of Tús placements.

    You said in your last post that you "heard from a friend" and you "must have got it wrong"....and you were right. Apologies about the gob**** rant, just p1sses me off when posters rave off about topics without having the facts.


  • #20
    christmas2012
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,827 ✭✭✭christmas2012


    Tús placements are only with Not-for-profit organisations.

    Im sorry,but there are not for profit social care jobs - that are as paid employment and advertised as such TUS and FAS placements occupy some of these roles as i have been on one in the past..

    I know this from first hand experience,for my first year i did a social care assistant job,in a ''not for profit'' organisation that nets in a lot of money each year,they even have their own lottery,it was in rehab care they have rehab lottery.

    They have had a lot of posts in the past advertised through fas,and occupied as ce schemes - if they didnt sign up with FAS,these could have been advertised as paid employment.


  • #21
    ChaBB
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭ChaBB


    For anyone interested, or worried about the process,

    Well I attended the TUS interview, you enter a conference room and sign in. The sign-in sheet was an A4 size sheet with a list of names, and id say when they started the presentation only half the sheet was signed, a good few didnt show up.

    They were very sound people, they stated that they werent the dole office, only working for them, and to relax, although they would have no choice but to pass all the info on to the social welfare office.(bad thing for the peops who didnt show up i guess)

    They basically give alittle talk at the start explaining all about the scheme, and made clear that it wasnt some displacement thing where private business's could take advantage and all that stuff.

    After that, they took us one by one to the front of the conference room for an interview, i thought it was abit funny how they interview on front of everyone, but no biggy.

    The whole thing lasted 2 to 3 hours, although had everyone showed up, would of been abit longer.
    No one left the place with any "work", but take down what youd be willing to do, and will be in contact later.

    Dont worry anyone going in, the people interviewing were normal, very nice people, not robots like in the dole office.


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  • #22
    hdowney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,921 ✭✭✭✭hdowney


    I would completely object to being interviewed infront of other people. What kinda questions did they ask?


  • #23
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    ChaBB wrote: »
    For anyone interested, or worried about the process,

    Well I attended the TUS interview, you enter a conference room and sign in. The sign-in sheet was an A4 size sheet with a list of names, and id say when they started the presentation only half the sheet was signed, a good few didnt show up.

    They were very sound people, they stated that they werent the dole office, only working for them, and to relax, although they would have no choice but to pass all the info on to the social welfare office.(bad thing for the peops who didnt show up i guess)

    They basically give alittle talk at the start explaining all about the scheme, and made clear that it wasnt some displacement thing where private business's could take advantage and all that stuff.

    After that, they took us one by one to the front of the conference room for an interview, i thought it was abit funny how they interview on front of everyone, but no biggy.

    The whole thing lasted 2 to 3 hours, although had everyone showed up, would of been abit longer.
    No one left the place with any "work", but take down what youd be willing to do, and will be in contact later.

    Dont worry anyone going in, the people interviewing were normal, very nice people, not robots like in the dole office.

    Thanks for that Chabb. Was worried I'd be railroaded into working in a charity shop. I am a qualified Engineer. I can rest easy tonight, many thanks for your reply.


  • #24
    ChaBB
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭ChaBB


    ^
    No worries m8

    @hdowney, just usual questions based on what you write on the form they give you, they go through the form and ask (based on what you wrote), would you be interested in this, would you be interested in that, if you say no, they offer something else, if you say no they ask what else would you be interested in... just what youd expect really. very sound, no pressure.

    After the interview process starts, everyone else is just talking amongst themselfs. everyone in the room is in the same boat, dont worry.


  • #25
    hdowney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,921 ✭✭✭✭hdowney


    Grand. I just don't want to be explaining why I don't wanna work with children in front of people. Means explaining health relatedness that I just don't like sharing in groups yakno


  • #26
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    ChaBB wrote: »
    For anyone interested, or worried about the process,

    Well I attended the TUS interview, you enter a conference room and sign in. The sign-in sheet was an A4 size sheet with a list of names, and id say when they started the presentation only half the sheet was signed, a good few didnt show up.

    They were very sound people, they stated that they werent the dole office, only working for them, and to relax, although they would have no choice but to pass all the info on to the social welfare office.(bad thing for the peops who didnt show up i guess)

    They basically give alittle talk at the start explaining all about the scheme, and made clear that it wasnt some displacement thing where private business's could take advantage and all that stuff.

    After that, they took us one by one to the front of the conference room for an interview, i thought it was abit funny how they interview on front of everyone, but no biggy.

    The whole thing lasted 2 to 3 hours, although had everyone showed up, would of been abit longer.
    No one left the place with any "work", but take down what youd be willing to do, and will be in contact later.

    Dont worry anyone going in, the people interviewing were normal, very nice people, not robots like in the dole office.

    Did they write to you or telephone you for the interview? If they wrote did they give much advanced warning?


  • #27
    Karen23
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,871 ✭✭✭Karen23


    Thread here about Tus
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=76974308


  • #28
    Zodiacc
    Registered Users Posts: 35 ✭Zodiacc


    ChaBB wrote: »
    For anyone interested, or worried about the process,

    Well I attended the TUS interview, you enter a conference room and sign in. The sign-in sheet was an A4 size sheet with a list of names, and id say when they started the presentation only half the sheet was signed, a good few didnt show up.

    They were very sound people, they stated that they werent the dole office, only working for them, and to relax, although they would have no choice but to pass all the info on to the social welfare office.(bad thing for the peops who didnt show up i guess)

    They basically give alittle talk at the start explaining all about the scheme, and made clear that it wasnt some displacement thing where private business's could take advantage and all that stuff.

    After that, they took us one by one to the front of the conference room for an interview, i thought it was abit funny how they interview on front of everyone, but no biggy.

    The whole thing lasted 2 to 3 hours, although had everyone showed up, would of been abit longer.
    No one left the place with any "work", but take down what youd be willing to do, and will be in contact later.

    Dont worry anyone going in, the people interviewing were normal, very nice people, not robots like in the dole office.

    Thanks ChaBB for that. I got a letter myself the other day and didnt know anything about it or whats involved. Did you get a placement yourself? if so how is it going for you?


  • #29
    dubgothic
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭dubgothic


    Yes.I did TUS,as a "corrective scheme".
    You may be luckier than me.
    Otherwise:
    TUS puts people straight into a menial position.Respect is zero.
    Its only interesting to watch how quickly people become corrupted when they have "free workers".
    Under the guise of "It's official",anything is possible.
    I skipped it after two months with "employers" and the "social welfare" crowd behind it.
    Great wake up call!!!
    I allowed the Dole to make me even more stupid.

    Still,I wonder why so little is being posted by TUS un/willing participants.
    Maybe it's great,and it's just me.
    Or we are not Greek,or Spanish,or awake.


  • #30
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    dubgothic wrote: »
    Yes.I did TUS,as a "corrective scheme".
    You may be luckier than me.
    Otherwise:
    TUS puts people straight into a menial position.Respect is zero.
    Its only interesting to watch how quickly people become corrupted when they have "free workers".
    Under the guise of "It's official",anything is possible.
    I skipped it after two months with "employers" and the "social welfare" crowd behind it.
    Great wake up call!!!
    I allowed the Dole to make me even more stupid.

    Still,I wonder why so little is being posted by TUS un/willing participants.
    Maybe it's great,and it's just me.
    Or we are not Greek,or Spanish,or awake.

    Hi there, what do you mean "corrective scheme"?

    I skipped it after two months with "employers" and the "social welfare" crowd behind it.

    Can you please explain how you got out of it , and did the dole cut your money?

    Regards


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  • #31
    dubgothic
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭dubgothic


    Hi,
    You may play this out a lot better.I have used the situation to drive forward.Old news now.TUS maybe fun for you,nice employers,chance of a future job.

    If it's any help,cliches apart-
    "Corrective scheme":
    I refused to sign the TUS form (no info,a nearly blank page) so my dole was stopped,or suspended for a few weeks,until I signed up.My behaviour was corrected.
    Next-
    Didn't realize I was effectively signing off the dole and joining a volunteer recruitment agency called PACT,who then take over.I wasn't happy with events after that.No interest from social welfare.
    In my case it was a bad match,ending in tea-making,cleaning,fetching,and topped by sneering staff.No proper complaints system either.The service cuts out after each step: social welfare/agency/employer.A maze with one way traps.Dole was refused,and I didn't pursue it.My problem anyway.
    "Skipped": left it,got out.I am relocating,so these are temporary measures.Luckily I am single,can do very casual work,not always have a regular income,and have work abroad.Not well paid,rough conditions,but better than this mess.And,like gypsies,I buy collectables when I have cash,so I always have something to sell.
    The TUS dole-breaker scheme is partly on the right track though.It's a yellow-alert.Yawn..here we go....
    The dole can be a bad system to get caught up in.Becoming an expert on one's social welfare rights (for a healthy,able-bodied person,and maybe even for less-abled folk) is dancing in a beggars-circle and never getting out of it.Time slips away.
    Put your focus on getting a source of income,legally,(although that hasn't stopped Banks etc) away from the dole.It's a reactive system,get-me-dole=do nothing.That's the conditioning.Shutdown.
    Active is : no-dole=massive-action.
    Spanish,Greek: would riot over a random forced labour scheme,and anyway,hordes of them head for the UK without even bothering with their own capital cities.
    For help with your TUS situation right now,maybe (it's still the system) get in touch with the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed. www.inou.ie

    Good Luck!


  • #32
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    dubgothic wrote: »
    Hi,
    You may play this out a lot better.I have used the situation to drive forward.Old news now.TUS maybe fun for you,nice employers,chance of a future job.

    If it's any help,cliches apart-
    "Corrective scheme":
    I refused to sign the TUS form (no info,a nearly blank page) so my dole was stopped,or suspended for a few weeks,until I signed up.My behaviour was corrected.
    Next-
    Didn't realize I was effectively signing off the dole and joining a volunteer recruitment agency called PACT,who then take over.I wasn't happy with events after that.No interest from social welfare.
    In my case it was a bad match,ending in tea-making,cleaning,fetching,and topped by sneering staff.No proper complaints system either.The service cuts out after each step: social welfare/agency/employer.A maze with one way traps.Dole was refused,and I didn't pursue it.My problem anyway.
    "Skipped": left it,got out.I am relocating,so these are temporary measures.Luckily I am single,can do very casual work,not always have a regular income,and have work abroad.Not well paid,rough conditions,but better than this mess.And,like gypsies,I buy collectables when I have cash,so I always have something to sell.
    The TUS dole-breaker scheme is partly on the right track though.It's a yellow-alert.Yawn..here we go....
    The dole can be a bad system to get caught up in.Becoming an expert on one's social welfare rights (for a healthy,able-bodied person,and maybe even for less-abled folk) is dancing in a beggars-circle and never getting out of it.Time slips away.
    Put your focus on getting a source of income,legally,(although that hasn't stopped Banks etc) away from the dole.It's a reactive system,get-me-dole=do nothing.That's the conditioning.Shutdown.
    Active is : no-dole=massive-action.
    Spanish,Greek: would riot over a random forced labour scheme,and anyway,hordes of them head for the UK without even bothering with their own capital cities.
    For help with your TUS situation right now,maybe (it's still the system) get in touch with the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed. www.inou.ie

    Good Luck!

    Well the form TUS asked you to sign was merely asking for your permission to pass your details to a third party, ie a potential placement. As you rightly say, when you refused it gave them ammunition to fire at you, ie cut the dole as you are not actively seeking work.

    I understand where you're coming from and I would probably have been the same at your age. But I am 53 and am more cunning and machiavellian than a young fella would be and play them at their own game.

    PS I couldn't be trusted to make tea - not with my criminal record of administering poisons to people.

    Good luck,


  • #33
    STEEVEE1SH
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭STEEVEE1SH


    Hi im a 41 yr old and i currently received a letter from my local signing office. I allready had plans to start my valeting buisness and i have signed up for a buisness fetec level 4. Also i am a youth leader for foroige so most of my time is dealing with the teenagers. I declined the letter from the tus scheme had an interview with my local welfare office and they suspended my claim. I think this is very unfair as i have been waiting to set my own buisness up for some time now. I feel i have been pushed into this and i dont have a say. I will now have to return to the welfare office asap and tell them i will do the tus scheme because i dont know where the next meal will come from. Hope they will still let me do the tuc scheme still. Dont really want this but i have to now. Has anyone else had this problem


  • #34
    Karen23
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,871 ✭✭✭Karen23


    My placement finishes in January and my Tus supervisor said she'd meet with me soon to update my CV and get it sent out to job vacancies , seems like they wont let me just go back on the dole. The thoughts of having to go through all that again. I'd quite happily stay where I am and for things to continue as they are but I cant see my employer taking me on and paying me when they can just take another '' free '' worker from Tus.


  • #35
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    I went for the interview, they asked what I'd like to do etc. At the end the woman said "you might not be offered anything". Don't know whether that was "code" for we haven't got anything suitable.


  • #36
    StillWaters
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,799 ✭✭✭StillWaters


    Karen23 wrote: »
    My placement finishes in January and my Tus supervisor said she'd meet with me soon to update my CV and get it sent out to job vacancies , seems like they wont let me just go back on the dole. The thoughts of having to go through all that again. I'd quite happily stay where I am and for things to continue as they are but I cant see my employer taking me on and paying me when they can just take another '' free '' worker from Tus.
    You can go back on job seekers, it's just that TUS includes mentoring and job coaching. You are right, it is very unlikely you will get work with your host organisation. Unless a paid worker leaves, or they get new funding from somewhere, they just don't have the money to take on staff. Have you looked on activelink, that is where community jobs are advertised.


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  • #37
    easy1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 171 ✭✭easy1


    My placement finishes in end of November,and there NO extension,what is bad for me,also I have ZERO chance to get paid job after my scheme finishes,because simply there is other people after me:(


  • #38
    babydoll123
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭babydoll123


    hi was wondering can you hand in your notice on tus programme and if so where do i stand with social welfare?? :):)


  • #39
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    babydoll123 wrote: »
    hi was wondering can you hand in your notice on tus programme and if so where do i stand with social welfare?? :):)

    You can hand in your notice as with any job - but I think you'll be treated as though you have deliberately made yourself unemployed.


  • #40
    babydoll123
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭babydoll123


    ah rite i see its just i have been unwell a lot lately and my partner is starting a full time course. this means that i will have to pay someone to bring and collect my four year old from school and mind her till 5 every evening whilst im in work for 3 days and my partner on course. at the moment i can not afford to do this ass money is tight and not left with much after bills and food r got


  • #41
    bwal
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭bwal


    Got letter from tus last month so i sent it back.one month later i got a letter asking me to attend a meeting tomorrow.I look after my baby full time while her mother works.barely able to pay my mortgage I can not afford to pay for a childminder so I will b bringing my baby to the meeting tomorrow.does anybody know if this is a valid reason to decline a position?


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  • #42
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    bwal wrote: »
    Got letter from tus last month so i sent it back.one month later i got a letter asking me to attend a meeting tomorrow.I look after my baby full time while her mother works.barely able to pay my mortgage I can not afford to pay for a childminder so I will b bringing my baby to the meeting tomorrow.does anybody know if this is a valid reason to decline a position?

    So you are not really available for / or looking for work. That's how they will see it if you say you can't take up a position as you are a full time child minder. Go along to the meeting and "play the game". I went six weeks ago and haven't heard a word yet. They don't have many places to offer - I think it's just a test in the majority of cases to see if you are really looking for work, so don't give them any excuse to stop your money.

    Good luck.


  • #43
    bwal
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭bwal


    rsole1 wrote: »

    So you are not really available for / or looking for work. That's how they will see it if you say you can't take up a position as you are a full time child minder. Go along to the meeting and "play the game". I went six weeks ago and haven't heard a word yet. They don't have many places to offer - I think it's just a test in the majority of cases to see if you are really looking for work, so don't give them any excuse to stop your money.

    Good luck.

    Thanks for the reply. Had many sleepless nights over this letter. Offered to do it at night and was told I couldn't. Have no prob doing it once I wouldn't b out of pocket.another thing is somebody under 20 prob without any responsibilities gets the same amount as me, giving them a extra €100 a week.how is this fair


  • #44
    StillWaters
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,799 ✭✭✭StillWaters


    bwal wrote: »

    Thanks for the reply. Had many sleepless nights over this letter. Offered to do it at night and was told I couldn't. Have no prob doing it once I wouldn't b out of pocket.another thing is somebody under 20 prob without any responsibilities gets the same amount as me, giving them a extra €100 a week.how is this fair

    Don't go sleepless over it. There may be evening opportunities available eg in youth work. Do not say you cannot do daytime work as that does flag up your unavailability for work, but do state your preference for evening or weekend work to tie in with family commitments.

    As for you getting the same amount as a single childless person, that's how it works in the working world too, you don't get extra wages to cover dependents.


  • #45
    pudsey0
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭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, without them on my back?

    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!!


  • #46
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    pudsey0 wrote: »
    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, without them on my back?

    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!!

    I was sent an invitation to attend the TUS interview some two months age now and have not heard another word from them. You must send the letter back to the Social Protection Department agreeing to attend the TUS interview. At the interview they wanted to know if I could work with "youths", I told them in no uncertain terms that I would not have the patience to work with teenagers. They went on about a bit of handyman work, so I said yes to that and yes to admin work. They seemed happy that I was amenable and willing to work. At the end of the meeting the lady said "you might not hear from us again". I have not heard from them yet.

    I think in your position just tell them (TUS) that you're down for a FAS Course, but you will of course take anything that they offer. Just show willing and don't give them any opportunity to stop your money.

    Good luck.


  • #47
    DenMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,065 ✭✭✭DenMan


    I sat my TUS interview this morning. It went great. I was interviewed by two people (man and woman). I brought my Resume/CV in. They went through my skills set and found some great positions for me including one which they are trying to fast-track so I can start in the next week or two. I'm training to become an English language teacher through TEFL and will be leaving Ireland next year to teach in Thailand. They have schools set aside for remedial students who need extra tutelage to help with their English and Maths. That's what I'm hopefully going to do. Also I have a background in IT and working in an office using Microsoft is something they are looking for me too. I can also have the option of balancing the two and combine them. Really excited about it. Can't wait to start. Then again I am leaving Ireland to spend a life teaching abroad and can't wait to get off the dole. Onwards and upwards for me that's for sure. Good luck to everyone else. I hope TUS helps you. :)


  • #48
    StillWaters
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,799 ✭✭✭StillWaters


    Congrats DenMan, that sounds like a perfect match. And great attitude!


  • #49
    DenMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,065 ✭✭✭DenMan


    StillWaters wrote: »
    Congrats DenMan, that sounds like a perfect match. And great attitude!

    Thank you. Went in again today and was offered the position. I start in two weeks time. Delighted. Can't wait to start. :)


  • #50
    Drezden
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51 ✭✭Drezden


    The crazy thing about this scheme is in flagrant breach of International Law. "The requirement to carry out mandatory work is contrary to Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights which prohibits compulsory labour. Job Seekers’ Allowance is a subsistence benefit that people depended on to live, it is not a ‘gift’ but an entitlement. "

    Thats a quote from a legal case in the Uk, where people refused to take part in a similar scheme and were takin off JA. They pursued legal proceedings in the high court and the decision was overturned. This acted as a catalyst for many other people to get their social welfare payment restored.


  • #51
    Karen23
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,871 ✭✭✭Karen23


    I finished my Tus placement this week 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.


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