Tús
What is Tús?
Tús is a work activation scheme for the long term unemployed.
It aims to provide individuals with 12 month work placements with Community & Voluntary groups within their local area. In doing this the participant benefits from social contact in a workplace environment whilst also benefiting the local community.
Clare Local Development Company have administered the Tús Scheme on behalf of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) since 2011.
Who is Tús Scheme for?
Tús is designed for people who have been fully unemployed for 12 months or more.
Details of possible candidates for placement on Tús are sent to Clare Local Development Company from the Department of Employment Affairs and Soical Protection, who randomly select names from the live register.
CLDC match candidates with suitable roles with local Community & Voluntary groups already approved by CLDC.
Candidates placed on the scheme undertake work for 19.5 hours per week with a suitable sponsor group. While on Tús, participants receive a weekly payment of their full jobseekers allowance plus a €22.50 top up – (2018 rates).
For more detail see welfare.ie
In addition to being referred by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection individuals can self-refer. To self-refer, candidates should complete the ‘Tús 7 Assisted self-referral form’ which is available from the local branch of DEASP or online.
The completed form should be submitted to their local Intreo office for approval.
Please note that only 20% of all self-referrals nationally are approved for referral to Tús.
Community & Voluntary Sponsor Groups
Community & Voluntary Sponsor groups throughout Clare are supported in the roll out of activities, care and maintenance of facilities and building of their capacity through the provision of skilled personnel from the RSS & Tús schemes. Countywide, these schemes support over 190 groups. CLDC’s Evaluation & Review Committee oversee the admission of groups to the scheme and ensure that these groups adhere to the guidelines set out by DEASP. Application forms are completed by Sponsor Groups with details of roles available. Local RSS/Tús Supervisors liaise with groups to assess their suitability and capacity.
Specific work placements are agreed between the local RSS/Tús Supervisors and approved Sponsor Groups prior to a participant being placed.
How to Apply
Community & Voluntary Groups who want to become Rural Social Scheme/Tús Sponsor Groups can either contact the local Supervisor directly to discuss the opportunities available in their local area or download and complete the application form here: Community Group Application Form RSS & Tús and send it to the CLDC RSS/Tús team.