Section 14 of the Social Welfare Act, 1993, provides that students in full-time education will no longer be eligible to receive unemployment assistance except in special circumstances. Regulations are currently being drafted which will exempt categories such as mature students and students participating in education schemes for the long term unemployed.
I also propose to make special arrangements for students living at home who cannot get work under the new summer jobs scheme and whose family is dependent on a social welfare payment.
The new summer jobs scheme for students will cater for full-time students who cannot get summer jobs and who are no longer eligible to receive unemployment assistance during their summer holidays by virtue of this year's Social Welfare Act.
Essentially, the new scheme will operate for ten weeks during the period 1 July to 30 September 1993 and will allow students who would formerly have been eligible for unemployment assistance of £15 or more per week to earn up to £400 over the ten week period of the scheme. Voluntary organisations, community groups and public bodies with suitable work will be able to participate as sponsors. Payment under the scheme will be made to participating students by the sponsors who will, in turn, be reimbursed by my Department.