SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
Earlier this year local businesses who had signed up to the scheme were forced to cancel paid job opportunities, after the Draft NI Budget 2021-22 failed to allocate funding to the scheme.
Said the Foyle MLA: “For months I have impressed on both the Communities and Finance Ministers, the importance of the JobStart scheme for young people and with help of consistent lobbying from others, I am glad that our calls have finally been heeded.
“With our youth unemployment standing at 11.7% and likely to rise, it is crucial that labour market interventions such as these are in place to support young people facing a bleak job market.
“The Communities Committee was informed that the JobStart scheme would launch in December 2020.
“Groundwork between departmental officials and 400-500 businesses had already been completed but many were forced to cancel paid job opportunities following the failure to allocate funding in the draft Budget.
“While I am glad that funding has finally been allocated for this scheme, it is regrettable that the delay has caused a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety for many young people.
“The JobStart Scheme is due to launch next week alongside the Opportunity Guarantee Scheme.
“I look forward to the progress of this much needed initiative which will help instil hope in youth entering the labour market during such an economically challenging time.”
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