TÚS is a Government initiative which provides meaningful jobs in local communities throughout County Wexford.  It does this by using Local Development Companies to match up available placements within community and voluntary groups with eligible individuals identified by the Department of Social Protection. There is little or no cost to the group and the person works for 19.5 hours per week for one year with a top up on their existing rate of pay. They can also take up additional work when on the scheme.

Eligible Work

In general, most of the work carried out within the community and voluntary sectors can be considered eligible and the types of projects may include but is not limited to:

• Environmental services (including environmental maintenance, energy conservation, recycling and repair)
• Caring services (including social care, childcare, visitation and befriending services)
• General community services (including administration, caretaking, animal care, community research, retail and promotion)
• Heritage and cultural services (including administration, staffing, promotion and development)
• Para Educational Services (Non-teaching support roles such as administration, caretaking, early years and afterschool support in non fee paying schools)

Benefits for the Participant

Tus provides each participant with the opportunity to:

• Try a different role or position
• Work 19.5 hours per week
• Upskill
• Get experience and a work reference
• Find other work outside of the scheme
• Get paid annual leave and bank holidays
• Get a minimum of €271.50 per week plus payments for dependents if applicable
• Retain other benefits such as fuel allowance, medical card, HAP etc.

Benefits for the Community

Tús provides the opportunity for participating community and voluntary groups to have access to:

• 19.5 hours work per participant per week without the payroll or HR costs
• Equipment and tools that the organisation may not have
• An expanded reach and scope of services
• Specialised skills
• Fresh perspectives and a wider network of support
• Potential future volunteers

For more information on Tús Supports, contact one of the Supervisors in your area.