Employers Federation chief executive Anne Knowles says the decision by the Social Services Minister to scrap the Community Work scheme raises questions.

“The Minister says the scheme must go because it has not led unemployed people into permanent employment,” Ms Knowles said. “But this was never the focus of the scheme. It was aimed at the long-term unemployed – those with least qualifications - so it was always unlikely to impact substantially on the numbers unemployed.

“The scheme as represented to employers was to help the long-term unemployed gain work disciplines - like getting up and reporting to work on time in the morning. Employers were happy to support this worthwhile aim, as the work ethic is a major part of success in the workplace, and is hard to learn if you are at home on a benefit.

“Employers are keen to see the unemployed gain work disciplines and question why a scheme which addresses this should be axed.”

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