AQW 14237/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/02/2021
Answered On Date: 18/02/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities what plans are in place to support young deaf people into work, given there is no planned start date for JobStart and no funding has been allocated to roll-out this scheme in 2021/22 through her Department or through local councils.

Answer:

I am committed to working hard to ensure the necessary resources are targeted towards all of those who are most in need.

The Department’s existing range of work preparation and in work support programmes remain available to people with disabilities who wish to enter employment, need assistance to retain their job or indeed to progress in their career. These include Workable NI, Access to Work, Condition Management Programme, and the range of European Social Fund provision funded by the Department.

Work Coach teams in Jobs & Benefits offices continue to provide tailored employability support for people of all ages including individuals with disabilities.

In normal circumstances, Work Coaches can provide support for young people with hearing disabilities to move into work by using the Access to Work provision or through local disability employability providers. Each office has built close links with local providers across a range of complex needs to ensure that there is awareness of the full range of local services. In addition, where work experience might be beneficial, local Employment Advisers will seek opportunities for work experience with local employers to suit the young person’s individual circumstances.