The Government has granted a six-month extension to the Jobsearch scheme for unemployed professionals and managers. 

It is one of the few work initiatives the Coalition Government has decided to maintain.  Other high profile job schemes, such as the Future Jobs Fund and the 50+ Support Contract, have been withdrawn or put on hold as part of its austerity drive.  

The scheme, which is delivered by members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, was introduced 15 months ago and has now been extended until March 2011. 

Commenting on the Government’s decision to continue Jobsearch for another six months, Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of External Relations, said:  

“This is an endorsement of both the credence and success of the scheme in giving high end jobseekers the best support and advice possible from our participating members to help them get back into work.  

“Many of those jobseekers who have already embarked on the scheme had been made redundant as a result of cutbacks in sectors such as the banking and finance industry. With the forecast swingeing cuts now about to happen in the public sector, the need for this scheme to be extended further has never been more crucial.

 “Though the scheme will be operated at a reduced rate to reflect the current economic circumstances, it is extremely positive news for us that Ministers have recognised the value of Jobsearch and the valuable contribution that private recruitment professionals play in the overall employment landscape. 

“We will continue to build links with incoming Ministers, Jobcentre Plus and also initiatives being created under the Government’s work programme to ensure we continue to take a proactive role in getting increasing numbers of people into work.”

TAEN understands the ‘reduced rate’ represents a substantial reduction in the amount received by the firms delivering the support for each individual helped by the scheme.