Future of Local Employment Intermediary Service clarified

The Department for Employment and Learning has provided clarification on the future of the Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS).

Following a meeting of the Assembly's Committee for Employment and Learning earlier today, a spokesperson said: "The Department wishes to make clear that contracts with providers who deliver the Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane have been extended for a further year, that is, until 31 March 2011. Providers were informed of the extension of contracts on 10 February 2010. The Department will invest around £1.8million in this programme in 2010/11.

"A recent independent evaluation of LEMIS showed that the service is successful in engaging with individuals who are further removed from the labour market and assisting them into work. Findings include: overall 22.5% of participants moved into employment (27% in year 2); 73% of those entering employment sustained employment; cost per outcome (i.e. into employment) compares favourably with other programmes.

"However, the independent evaluation queried the value for money of the stakeholder forums and also indicated that the stakeholder forums duplicated some of the work of the Department. Consideration is being given to the future of the stakeholder forums in view of the evaluation findings.

"We have been able to ensure that the service to clients will continue to be available through the extension of Providers' contracts until 31 March 2011."

Notes to editors:

1. The Service complements statutory employment services and is delivered on a contractual basis by locally-based Providers. It aims to assist individuals who are economically inactive or long-term unemployed to engage or re-engage with the labour market.

2. The recent independent evaluation of LEMIS is on the Website

3. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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