BY AUSTIN LYNCH

Sir Reg Empey, the Minister for Employment and Learning, paid a brief visit to the Enniskillen Jobs and Benefits Office on Thursday to announce the roll-out of the 'Pathways to Work' initiative.

'Pathways to Work' is an inter-departmental initiative designed to help people with health conditions or with disabilities make better decisions about work. It provides a comprehensive framework of practical and financial help and support to people with health and disability related barriers to work.

Since October 2005 the initiative has been piloted in various areas of Northern Ireland and it is anticipated that 'Pathways to Work' will be rolled out across the North by April next year.

During his visit to Enniskillen the Minister met 'Pathways to Work' personal advisors and health-service professionals involved in delivering innovative programmes aimed at helping people understand and manage their health conditions, in the context of preparing for work.

Talking to the 'Herald' about the initiative the Minister was asked if he thought that 'Pathways to Work' was something that would be taken up by just the younger people who are not in the workforce (because of health conditions or disabilities) or would it have a broader appeal.

"I don't think that is the case (that the initiative will appeal to younger people). In fact people in the 40 plus age group should benefit more, for it is when people reach this age group that health problems tend to develop.

The Minister explained that, so far, 840 clients who have taken part in 'Pathways to Work' have returned to the workforce here in Northern Ireland.

"This initiative is all about staff from different departments working together - that is Health Service staff and our own staff working together.

"Once a client is identified they are interviewed and the interviewers' gets a better idea of the client's specific difficulties. This information is then taken away and the person is directed towards a member of staff better qualified to deal with them.

"The fear some people have is that if they do go down this path will if affect their prospects of getting benefits in future."

The Minister assures the public that this isn't the case, and it won't affect people's future ability to claim benefits.

"Pathways to Work gives people an opportunity to participate in work, and it is designed to increase people's choice of work. We want to encourage people to try some work."

Another thing that people should be aware of is that if they get work receiving less than £15,000 per annum they will receive a £40 per week 'back to work' credit.

'Pathways to Work' wants people to try work, and then to make this work pay. If it doesn't work out people will still be able to receive their benefits.

Commenting on the early evidence that this initiative is transforming the lives of people who may have become dependent on welfare, Sir Reg Empey said, "It has long been acknowledged that the best route out of poverty and social exclusion is through work.

Pathways to Work is clearly providing the support that will help many, who have manageable health conditions and disabilities, to move into suitable work and away from welfare dependency."