AQW 25906/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 09/04/2025
Answered On Date: 12/05/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any proactive support being provided in 2025-26 to support unemployed people over the age of 50 into employment.

Answer:

I am committed to helping people into meaningful employment, including those aged 50+. My Department’s highly successful JobStart 50+ pilot scheme has supported 52% of participants to gain permanent employment by the end of their time on the scheme. Unfortunately, budget for this Treasury funded pilot programme has not been recurrent in 2025-26.

I am in the process of agreeing my Department’s 2025-26 Budget allocations. In allocating my Budget, one of my priorities is employment support, to help people of all ages to overcome barriers faced in moving into, retaining and progressing in employment.

My Budget allocation plans will be announced in the coming weeks.