THE GOVERNMENT’S much-heralded JobBridge internship scheme has been the subject of controversy since its launch earlier this year.

The scheme, which sees the unemployed receive €50 a week from the government on top of their social welfare payment, aims to “assist in breaking the cycle” of unemployment by allowing jobseekers to gain valuable experience. However, it has been criticised as a way for less scrupulous employers to exploit free labour. Yesterday, training agency Fás admitted to the Irish Times that it had to remove a number of positions advertised on the site as they were “not in accordance” with the scheme’s aims.

The scheme has also come under fire from employers, who have suggested that excess red tape is preventing jobseekers taking up opportunities.

Writing on TheJournal.ie last night, employer Aaron McKenna argued that the scheme is a good one – but the government needs to be more vigilant in policing the positions advertised.

So what do you think? Is the JobBridge scheme worthwhile?

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