New initiative to link jobseekers and business

The Employment and Youth Engagement Charter is a new government initiative to help jobseekers who are struggling to move into employment by enlisting help from businesses and employers. Employers are invited to commit and help jobseekers in their pathway towards employment and help to bring about positive change in a someone’s life.

Unemployment can occur either due to a mismatch of skills for available roles, sometimes a lack of confidence brought on by unemployment, or a lack of knowledge of the most effective ways to find work. Some jobseekers need additional supports and interventions to help them get a job or to understand what a job in a particular sector might be like.

Many employers are already engaging in various supports; they help TY school students by providing TY work experience or doing mock interviews on careers nights. They take on interns as part of a course of study or training when someone is in college. The Charter harnesses that willingness to bring new benefits to unemployed jobseekers; this is particularly important for those who face additional barriers.

Employers who commit to the Charter become part of a wider community of businesses who recognise the value of investing in others while also potentially capitalising on the value of untapped talent. The Charter community is aware of how they can positively support better outcomes for jobseekers and in turn how that support brings economic, social, and community benefits. The Charter provides signatories with an opportunity to accelerate their Corporate Social Responsibility goals, enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and access local talent in the community.

The initiative has been designed with the input of employers, business representatives, voluntary organisations and young people, and reflects the latent capacity among businesses that can be tapped into. Examples of some action taken by several different employers under the Charter includes a site visit by jobseekers to the workplace, providing a work placement, and hands on experience of the work involved in a particular position. Other options could include CV reviews, work shadowing, mentoring, mock interviews.

There are many ways in which a business can get involved and the Charter provides six broad options for participation:

• Take advantage of employer incentives and supports which help give jobseekers work experience and offer pathways to employment

• Attend an Intreo Employer Briefing to find out more about hiring candidates with Intreo

• Host focused events for jobseekers e.g. C.V. writing, mock interviews and provide constructive feedback

• Deliver motivational talks to jobseekers on how to get job ready or start their own business

• Develop a mentoring session for providing guidance and support to jobseekers

• Recruit jobseekers and young people into your business with support from Intreo

Each of these options can be tailored to reflect the scope, capacity and potential for engaging with the Charter that suits your business.

The Employment and Youth Engagement Charter can make a difference for jobseekers and Intreo are currently seeking the support of Ibec member companies to sign up to the Charter and get involved.

Speaking at the launch of the Charter, CEO of Ibec, Danny Mc Coy spoke of the importance of Ibec members getting behind the Charter: ‘It’s important that we help young jobseekers, people with disabilities and others from marginalised groups to access opportunities to get into the labour market, to fulfil their talents but also to underpin the development of our society and economy.”

The opportunity to become a Charter Champion is open to all employers and organisations, particularly those who are willing to help a jobseeker build their confidence and knowledge and to overcome any anxiety from not having a job or the required skillset.

A copy of the Charter, along with more detailed guidelines is available here. Employers can also complete Charter Expressions of Interest. Sign up now to be a #CharterChampion and a member of the team will be in touch with you to discuss how you might be able to help or for further information contact the team at employer@welfare.ie.

Contact Megan O’Sullivan Sweeney to hear more about Ibec companies getting involved at megan.osullivan-sweeney@ibec.ie

Megan O'Sullivan Sweeney

Policy Executive, Ibec