Getting Us Back to Work

Press Release - 21st June, 2009

For Immediate Publication

The Job Seekers Union Produce Draft Action Plan to Tackle Unemployment

The Job Seekers Union has produced a discussion paper, outlining a series of proposals to stimulate a return to work for the hundreds of thousands of unemployed people in Ireland.

Getting Us Back to Work is the Draft Action Plan based upon which, The Job Seekers Union is inviting interested members of the public to help formulate a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the current economic situation. Once a formal plan of action has been adopted it will be used to make representations to government, employers, social partners and other interest groups.

The 20 point plan identifies a number of key areas including: stimulating the flow of money in the Irish economy; protecting existing jobs and promoting job creation; training for job seekers; issues relating to pay and social welfare; tourism; cross-border activities; environmental issues; establishing a Patriotic Savings Fund.

Says David Jones of The Job Seekers Union: "We feel it important that the final version of the plan, when formulated, represents the widest spectrum of opinion, not just the views of those who happen to be directing the work of The Job Seekers Union at this particular time. That is why we invite everyone to comment and put forward their own proposals, to create a kind of people's charter if you like."

The Draft Action Plan, in its present form, can be read on The Job Seekers Blog. Readers can post their comments, opinions or concerns on the blog or they can e-mail The Job Seekers Union with their views.

A PDF version of the Draft Action Plan can be downloaded here.

Ends