This article is from page 26 of the 2011-02-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
THE Clare Citizens Information Centre is spearheading a new initiative designed to help some of the 10,000 people who are currently signing on the Live Register in the county. A special information helpline has been set up along with an online one-stop-shop designed to help Clare people who have recently lost their jobs. According to Paul Woulfe of the Clare Citizens Information Centre, cutbacks in the public sector as well as a marked increase in the number of people losing their jobs, has created a large backlog in claims being processed.
The Ennis branch of the Citizens Information Centre has also seen a large rise in the number of people using the service with questions about redundancies. According to Mr Woulfe, a marked increase in the number of companies going into liquidation has created a large waiting list for people who are forced to get their statutory redundancy from the Social Insurance Fund.
“A key feature of Citizens Information Services is to provide responses to the multi-faceted needs of people that very often cross the boundaries of Government departments. Our services provide comprehensive information, advice and advocacy in an accessible format to empower and enable people to access their entitlements,” said Mr Woulfe. “It is vitally important that people who have lost their job or are being put on reduced working hours get clear, comprehensive information about their rights and entitlements. Citizen Information provides a countywide service, through its website, phone service and locally-based offices.
“This new website contains comprehensive information which is readily accessible and easily understood.”
Last month the Citizens Information Service saw a 20 per cent increase on the number of people using the service compared to January of 2010.
“Losing your job is a shocking and stressful event that not only affects your finances but many other areas of your life also,” continued Mr Woulfe. “In the current economic conditions it would appear there will be no magic cure in the short term. When people are newly unemployed, facing redundancy or coping with reduced hours or pay at work they will have many questions about what supports are available.”
The new Citizens Information Service helpline can be reached on 1890 777121 or by going online at www.losingyourjob.ie.