St Helena : Update on Long Term Unemployment Policy
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 23.01.2004 (Article Archived on 06.02.2004)
Since launching the Long Term Unemployment Policy last October, the Employment and Social Security Department has been working closely with the unemployed to identify their training needs. Some people have also embarked on training programmes.
Update on Long Term Unemployment Policy
Since launching the Long Term Unemployment Policy last October, the Employment and Social Security Department has been working closely with the unemployed to identify their training needs. Some people have also embarked on training programmes.
The consultant Nutritionist took on a group of six unemployed people in December last year on a six-week training course, which evolved around the Public Health and Social Services Island wide nutrition survey. By assisting the Nutritionist, participants received training in data collection, interviewing and interpersonal skills, and the measurement of body weight and height.
In addition, one person has taken up a training placement with the private sector, and a Government department is training another. The Employment and Social Security Department is also negotiating with a private sector business to take on a further six persons, and it is hoped that this will be done by the end of this month.
In speaking about the progress that has been made, Cynthia Bennett, Interviewing Officer said: “The first step has been completed with the initial interviews.” All unemployed persons have been interviewed to find out about the type of work they are interested in, skills they already have, training needs, and any special needs they might have, as well as anything which has prevented them from obtaining a job. Cynthia considers this process to have been “an important step” for the Island’s unemployed, and overall, she said that the interviews were a success. The department is now analysing training requirements and will be approaching employers to take persons on, hopefully in a field of their choice.
The Employment and Social Security Department has also been working closely with the Development and Economic Planning Department to put together a case for funding from the United Nations Development Programme to assist with the training of the long term unemployed. In speaking about how far St Helena is with this bid, Chief Development Officer, Dr Corinda Essex said: “Following Cynthia Bennett's return from overseas training, the Employment and Social Security Department identified key areas in which UNDP support is needed. These were discussed with Mr ap Rees during his recent visit and will be included within St Helena's Country Co-operation Framework for the next three years. A Project Memorandum covering the proposed activities is being drawn up for local political endorsement, followed by submission to UNDP for approval.”
On the Statistical front, Cynthia said that there has been a noticeable drop in the number of people on the Community Work Scheme. The unemployed were informed about the new policy in October last year, and since then 50 persons have left the scheme, and were able to secure full time employment. In addition, the department used to have new people joining the old three-day scheme on a regular basis, but Cynthia said the last two months have seen the lowest number of new clients ever.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
21 January 2004
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