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Jobless to keep dole in new back-to-work plan (Irish Independent)

04 November 2011
Thousands of jobless people will be able to go back to work while holding on to their dole money under a new plan being considered by the Government.

The drastic measure is one of several in the pipeline aimed at taking tens of thousands of jobless off the Live Register, the Irish Independent has learned.

It comes as Taoiseach Brian Cowen desperately tries to stem soaring unemployment amid fears some 500,000 will be out of work by the end of the year.

Under the plan, jobless adults who return to work would have their dole 'topped up' by a minimum contribution from employers. Those taking on such workers would have to commit to the deal for a number of months.

At the end of the initial 'top-up' period, employers could benefit from a new employment grant if they keep the new workers on the payroll.

The Government is also considering proposals to:

Extend a work experience programme for young people and graduates so they get a foot on the jobs' ladder.

Review training allowances with a view to reducing or possibly abolishing some of them