Jobseekers who do not engage with the State’s employment service may face a steep €90 cut in their welfare rates starting in January. The Social Protection Bill, currently before the Seanad, aims to double the penalties for those who refuse to participate in job-seeking activities.
The Government emphasizes the importance of jobseekers actively seeking employment and utilizing the State’s employment services to prevent them from becoming further disconnected from the labor market. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys stresses the need for jobseekers to engage with the Intreo Public Employment Service and undertake education or training programs if needed.
While Minister for Finance Jack Chambers defends the measure as a way to encourage compliance with job-seeking requirements, the opposition, including Labour Party’s Duncan Smith TD, criticizes the penalizing approach. Smith believes the focus should be on helping the long-term unemployed find work and supporting those unable to work.