AQW 3785/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 18/03/2020
Answered On Date: 30/04/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to confirm what actions she will take to ensure employers of people with disabilities on work programmes or apprenticeships will be appropriately supported and guidance provided to ensure they understand why they may be asked not to attend work or to work from home during the COVID-19 delay phase.

Answer:

My department has separate contracts with Disability Support Services who work closely with the Training Contractors, Apprentices and their employers to provide support as appropriate to the apprentice’s individual need while they are in the classroom or directed training environment.

This support includes mentoring on a one to one basis to increase and improve an apprentice’s confidence, self-esteem and value, enabling them to progress within their training.

This support would include guidance as appropriate from their mentor / support worker as to why they may not be able to attend work or work from home during the COVID-19 delay phase.

My Department has encouraged Disability Support Service providers to work with their partner Training Organisations to identify ways that Apprentices requiring support can continue to be engaged and supported remotely during this period when face-to-face training has been suspended due to COVID-19.

As the apprentices are in employment when they start on the programme the in work support comes under the remit of the Department for Communities through its disability programmes.

My Department has provided information for employers and employees on the support available using the following web links.

https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-guidance-employers

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-workers