IMPACT has intervened in a number of school applications for the JobBridge internship scheme this month, following reports that the scheme is being used to make up shortfalls in staffing in education.

In September, IMPACT called for more effective monitoring as evidence emerged that it was probable that the scheme was being abused. Since then the Department of Social Protection has banned  44 companies from JobBridge following allegations of widespread exploitation.

IMPACT official Dessie Robinson has reported concerns over a number of applications to the Department of Social Protection. The Department has stopped a number of these and a decision on a number of other applications is still pending.

Dessie explained, “Some schools were trying to use the JobBridge scheme when their allocation of special needs assistants is reduced by the National Council Special Education (NCSE) to makeup this shortfall. This is not what the scheme was designed for.

“IMPACT’s policy in relation to JobBridge is that the scheme has value as a work experience opportunity for people who are out of work. However, it must be properly supervised and mentored, it must provide adequate supports and training and it must not be used to displace existing jobs” he said.

IMPACT will continue to engage with both the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection to ensure that the scheme is not being abused. Dessie has asked SNA members to remain vigilant and to report any suspected abuse of the scheme to their local IMPACT representative.