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Limerick workers to receive EU training fund monies
The European Commission has approved an application for funding for over 300 workers made redundant in West Limerick. The fund – known as the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) – provides money for training, education and supports to start up a business for people who have lost their jobs as a result of major changes in the economy. The EGF can be used where large companies close or a large number of workers are laid off in a particular sector.
The EU approval announced in October relates to workers made redundant from the Andersen Ireland jewellery manufacturing plant in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. In addition, a group of disadvantaged young people in Limerick are also being helped.
EGF cases are managed and implemented by the Department of Education and Skills and up to €2.5m has been made available for Ireland. The Minister of Education and Skills recently submitted another application for former Lufthansa workers in Rathcoole, County Dublin.
This now makes eight successful applications by Ireland to the EGF. Three of these applications were for workers made redundant in specifically named companies (Dell, Waterford Crystal, and SR Technics). Three subsequent EGF applications covered almost 9,000 workers and apprentices made redundant in three sectors of the construction industry. Two have been co-financing assistance applications - one for the Talk Talk call centre facility in Waterford and at three ancillary companies in 2012 and now this application for Andersen.
Read the Government's press release on this announcement here.
Click here for further details on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in Ireland.