TUS Programme

Rubberchikken

I sis a tus scheme,year long admin role, 7 years ago. Truthfully I went into it in a positive way and had a ball. The references I got from it and a follow up ce scheme placement led me to the job I have now.

Some positions may be what they are, groundskeeper, admin, etc but the experience can't be as positive as you make it and a good reference /willingness to work could open doors to the job you may actually want.

segosego89

sonofenoch wrote: »

Doesn't sound like it's served you well ......have never heard of anyone sweeping roads on a Tus programme, I think that would be a fairly well paid council job (do they even use road sweepers anymore) anyone I've heard of were placed in computer refurbish or furniture recycling ...all charity places .................19 and a half hrs a week oh the horror of it all, you could do that and still do any online course

That's not true at all. The majority of Tus roles revolve around litter picking, grass cutting and groundskeeping work. There are other roles on the scheme that involve administrative work but that kind of work would be in the minority.

segosego89

jimjangles wrote: »

I was just saying the CE schemes I looked at in my locale
are not my kind of thing.
If that's where an Tus gets their jobs from
I wouldn't be interested in pursuing a career
in any of those things.
It was caretaker, working for tidy towns,
there was some office admin role but I
think women usually get those.
Anyway it may be a long time before I
get called so I suppose I shouldn't
worry too much yet.
I was wondering do an Tus cover travel if you
have to get a bus in and out?

How do you know only women get office administrative roles? I'd really really recommend applying for one of the administrative roles otherwise you'll be picking up litter in public. Do you want people to see you pick up litter?

segosego89

segosego89 wrote: »

That's not true at all. The majority of Tus roles revolve around litter picking, grass cutting and groundskeeping work. There are other roles on the scheme that involve administrative work but that kind of work would be in the minority.

I suppose that you could say that the reason for that is that the TUS Scheme participants tend to be long term unemployed, with little or no work skills. Though, I personally know two highly educated men who have done these schemes, one of them more than once. They both suffer from anxiety disorders but these schemes gave them the opportunity to gain self confidence.

segosego89

Oranage2 wrote: »

How many CVs do you send out a week? You're so completely negative about this, it's just 2 and a half days work, and I know many people to have found employment after doing a scheme particularly a CE scheme.

Agreed. You're also filling in a significant gap in your CV so that when you actually go for an interview for a job that you're qualified for(IT) you wont have to be that embarrassed about the gap in your work history.

segosego89

Deleted User wrote: »

I suppose that you could say that the reason for that is that the TUS Scheme participants tend to be long term unemployed, with little or no work skills. Though, I personally know two highly educated men who have done these schemes, one of them more than once. They both suffer from anxiety disorders but these schemes gave them the opportunity to gain self confidence.

I understand what you mean.

Is it true that the indoor administrative work offered on the TUS/CE schemes is only offered to women? That can't be true can it? It's a bit discriminatory towards men if true...

Cherry Blossom

segosego89 wrote: »

I understand what you mean.

Is it true that the indoor administrative work offered on the TUS/CE schemes is only offered to women? That can't be true can it? It's a bit discriminatory towards men if true...

Of course it’s not true. They just made that up in their head. All the roles in my last post have been filled by both men and women at different times. There’s also two reception posts at the same centre and two of last four people in those roles have been men. There are also women in the roles of environmental worker, caretaker etc. It’s just as another poster pointed out most people on the scheme are low skill long term unemployed so most of the roles are designed to suit them.

jimjangles

I was wondering do an Tus cover travel if you
have to get a bus in and out?

jimjangles

jimjangles wrote: »

I was wondering do an Tus cover travel if you
have to get a bus in and out?

You get extra, I think €22.50 which would cover travel.

segosego89

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Of course it’s not true. They just made that up in their head. All the roles in my last post have been filled by both men and women at different times. There’s also two reception posts at the same centre and two of last four people in those roles have been men. There are also women in the roles of environmental worker, caretaker etc. It’s just as another poster pointed out most people on the scheme are low skill long term unemployed so most of the roles are designed to suit them.

I know I'm going off topic but out of interest did Tus exist in a different incarnation before it began in the early 2010's?

In other words was there a kind of "work-for-welfare" thing associated with the long termed unemployed before the 2010's or is that concept a relatively new thing?

segosego89

segosego89 wrote: »

I understand what you mean.

Is it true that the indoor administrative work offered on the TUS/CE schemes is only offered to women? That can't be true can it? It's a bit discriminatory towards men if true...

no its not, I worked in a NGO that took on young men on reception desks in various locations on a TUS scheme, and I know at least two of those young lads who were offered permanent employment by the company after the scheme

Cherry Blossom

segosego89 wrote: »

I know I'm going off topic but out of interest did Tus exist in a different incarnation before it began in the early 2010's?

In other words was there a kind of "work-for-welfare" thing associated with the long termed unemployed before the 2010's or is that concept a relatively new thing?

Iirc people were referred to FAS and FAS worked with them to put them on an appropriate course or apprenticeship program. I did an equestrian apprenticeship where you worked full time for an equestrian yard in exchange for a meagre training allowance from FAS and training from the yard towards professional exams. It was bloody hard work and if you didn’t turn up you didn’t get paid. I’m not sure if these programs still run or not but thinking back now it was akin to slave labour. You didn’t get paid anything near minimum wage.

segosego89

segosego89 wrote: »

I know I'm going off topic but out of interest did Tus exist in a different incarnation before it began in the early 2010's?

In other words was there a kind of "work-for-welfare" thing associated with the long termed unemployed before the 2010's or is that concept a relatively new thing?

CE Schemes have been around since the 80’s.

Cherry Blossom

Deleted User wrote: »

CE Schemes have been around since the 80’s.

Not in their current form anyway. There was also job bridge which was done away with. You worked for an employer full time I think based on the thinking that when your year was up the employer would keep you on. Lots of businesses acted like total scum on this program and used it as a way to get cheap labour. I think that’s the reason it was scrapped.

segosego89

Deleted User wrote: »

CE Schemes have been around since the 80’s.

Yeah I knew that CE Schemes existed since the 80's and 90's but I'm wondering was there any compulsory element to these schemes until Tus started?

My impression has been that CE Schemes have historically been non-mandatory. But maybe I'm wrong to think this?

MarkEadie

I've got a friend being pushed into this programme. It's quite sad to see him stressed about it. They sound like they are doing anything to get people off the live register. They must be put under pressure to get people off it with the amount of people on PUP but he's been treated terribly going off his account of whats happening. It sounds like quite a few people have had their payments cut as a result of having problems with TUS. What happens after that? If your payment is cut I presume you cannot open any new claim for jobseekers so are basically going to be left destitute?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118051089#Comment_118051089

Payments are only cut, not stopped, where there’s no interaction between them and the unemployed.

MarkEadie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118051142#Comment_118051142

Some people said they were cut for 9 weeks. I was just wondering in what circumstances. Say you "agree" (forcefully) to go to Tus and then decide to leave whatever place they put you in. I thought I read someone saying they had an issue with a manager and had to leave and were not put on any payment. It's sad to read stories of people comiing off a year of Tus and having no prospects, then they get another Tus letter and have to go through another year of it.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118053666#Comment_118053666

No one is “forced”. These schemes play a big part in getting long term unemployed back into the work habit. Is one is fit for work, there’s nothing stopping them getting a paid position.

MarkEadie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118053972#Comment_118053972

They are forced to do it or they will lose their payment. I don't know why you are denying this?

Working in a dead end Tus position that brings no job at the end is a complete waste of time for many people.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118055543#Comment_118055543

Then let them get a paying job. Look on any jobs vacancies website and there are loads of every type in all parts of the country.

MarkEadie

OK so why have jobseekers allowance or any supports? Just get a job, its that easy.

I'm guessing you work in Tus or this kind of area.

Cherry Blossom

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118056332#Comment_118056332

It’s not as straightforward as that. I was on schemes and programs for years and was genuinely seeking work. I resisted going on DA for a long time as I had convinced myself I was able for work. I was going to interviews and maybe I was too honest with potential employers but they did not agree that I was able to work full time.

Tedious Bore

Recently received letter inviting me to confirm availability for CE placements via Tús programme, and I'd certainly be open to hearing about what kind of positions they might have going.

My main issue just now though is general covid concerns. I'm currently living with elderly parents, so with case numbers rising again I'm being very careful in terms of minimising contacts and very little socialising ...particularly as it's their house not mine.

With this in mind, I'm worried I might get placement somewhere that I'd have little control over who&how many people I'd be coming into close contact with. Obviously the whole covid situation could fluctuate unpredictably throughout entire 12months of any placement, so would DEASP accept this as grounds for declining at the moment?

If comes to it, I'm kind of thinking I may actually prefer to just take a financial hit I can barely afford, rather than putting my folks at risk in their own home. Any helpful opinions here would be great. Thanks

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118237237#Comment_118237237

They’re no Ogres. If offered an unsuitable placement, explain your living arrangements and that will be taken into consideration.

MarkEadie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118237237#Comment_118237237

On this thread there are stories of people who have lost their payments and been left destitute because of similar stuff. Personally I wouldn't trust any Tus worker. I've heard too many bad stories. I'd say be careful what you tell them but I think you have a good case there since you're living with elderly. I just wouldn't be surprised if they tried to push you into a place regardless. So be careful is my advice.

MarkEadie

Also you don't have a "choice" about whether or not to turn Tus down as the letter may lead you to believe. Turn it down and you'll be pulled in to sw office and have to explain why and I've heard of people being threatened with reduction/struck off (destitution) if they don't comply.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118244837#Comment_118244837

There’s a huge difference between turning down a placement for no reason and turning one down when you have a valid reason. Less of the scaremongering. Communicate with TUS and let them know what areas you are interested in and might gain from.

hblock21

What kind of questions are asked in the second meeting-phone call?

He said general questions like Physical health, Time management, Leaving cert.

But what else?

Thanks

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118244837#Comment_118244837

If you’re on Jobseekers then you have to be looking for and available for full time work. I think if you refuse to consider 191/2 hours without a very good reason then it’s not unreasonable for SW to ask you what your plans are.

MarkEadie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118244960#Comment_118244960

You work for the department. A valid reason to a jobseeker might not be seen as a valid reason by the Tus people, which is why there aare stories of people being left destitute or having to go through Tus again and again. Pretty pointless when they could be spending that time looking for actual employment where they get a proper wage but it keeps the Tus people employed in a pretty nice job.

MarkEadie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118245922#Comment_118245922

As I said a very good reason is subjective. I'd say the poster should consider his elderly parents lives.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118246144#Comment_118246144

The problem is, if the poster doesn’t want to take up this job out of concern for elderly family members health, the he/she isn’t available for work. And not qualified for Jobseekers as a result. Carers allowance might be an option but only if one or both parents are so unwell as to need full time care and attention and certified by their GP as such.

Other then that there is little wriggle room.

MarkEadie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118246724#Comment_118246724

He won't get carers allowance, highly unlikely. It's a good example in my opinion of why viewing them as adversaries trying to get you off your payment is the best way to keep yourself on your toes when dealing with them.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118245167#Comment_118245167

The usual interview questions. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118246950#Comment_118246950

viewing them as adversaries implies that you’re in some kind of “tussle” with SW. First of all this is a bad idea because a claimant simply has no choice but to adhere to the law of the land and can’t “win”.

You will be disqualified, in the end, from any payment if you don’t meet the criteria for that payment. Current government advise DOESNT include elderly people having to cocoon/self isolate so any argument theOP might put forward about protecting her elderly parents won’t stick. The OPs fears are no more then that, fears. You may as well say “I can’t take up the TUS scheme because I’ve a fear of being out of the house during the day”.

Straight Talker

Insist on a job, where you have as little contact with people as possible. If that can't be arranged then i would consider taking the financial hit, if you have enough money to tide you over if sanctioned. These aren't normal circumstances, and i ain't putting the lives of vulnerable people i live with, at risk for a crappy tus placement.

Tedious Bore

Thanks for all the replies here guys, appreciate the different perspectives.

Way I see it, my preference not to be exposed to numerous random people indoors (just for example) for those reasons I gave above doesn't necessarily translate to me not being genuinely available for work outside of community placement. - As in the reason that I'm living at home with parents now is largely due to my current income being only €200ish per week (a figure I'm still very grateful for). But IF I could expect to earn possibly more than double that amount per week in fulltime employment, then that helps change my options in terms of potentially renting elsewhere. Would probably still find myself incredibly broke trying to rent some shithole on a basic wage, but if that's what I gotta do

I'm not sure the comparison with fear of going outside quite holds up. I do take the point and appreciate all advice, but agoraphobia like any other phobia describes an irrational fear, so something to see a doctor about. Whereas in current climate, a concern -or fear- of being assigned a placement in close proximity with multiple unknown contacts when cohabiting with elderly people ...is just a well founded rational one, as opposed to something phobic.

I don't know whether they threaten to take you off Jobseekers entirely maybe, but if it's "only" a reduction for refusing a placement, then that may just be an unwelcome no-brainer decision for me when weighed against keeping my parents out of a hospital. I doubt whoever I'm dealing with be completely inflexible about it anyway, so hopefully there'll be something outdoors for me. Out sweeping roads on bitter baltic january morns ...sure it'll be character building right? 2022 here I come!

Straight Talker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118260011#Comment_118260011

From my understanding, the social welfare people will reduce your payment by 44 euros for a few weeks. That would be the first punishment. If they deem you to have violated their rules again, whilst on the penalty rate, then they will cut off your payment completely for 9 weeks.

Tedious Bore

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118260480#Comment_118260480

Okay thanks, will look into this more myself when I get a chance.

Straight Talker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118260499#Comment_118260499

The last time i was on a tus placement, they had me working in a charity shop. I ain't working in a tiny/cramped charity shop in a pandemic for love nor money! I would only do something like gardening or sweeping the roads. They should have something like that available.

Oranage2

Not being funny but there are so many jobs available, have you looked for something that might suit you and your circumstances?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118260480#Comment_118260480

This only happens if one completely fails to communicate with them. At the moment some non necessary CE and TUS Schemes are not working. The TUS Supervisor won’t want to force someone into an unsuitable position. Talk to them. Explain your situation and give an idea of what fields you are interested in. Keep an eye on sites like JobsIreland and you might see a CE Scheme more suited to you. Remember that you can avail of training and further education while on these schemes.

Koloman

“DELETED”