A former Lord Mayor of the City is calling on the Social Protection Minister to extend the contracts of people working in Community Employment Schemes.
Cllr Tony Fitzgerald wrote to Regina Doherty to ask for all existing staff to have their contracts extended by at least a year to avoid a crisis in the voluntary sector.
People employed in CE Scheme work in a wide variety of community projects for between one and three years and can be employed as drivers, caretakers and secretaries, however the pandemic has led to the cancellation of training courses required for those wishing to take part in the scheme.
Speaking to RedFM News, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald says CE employees are a vital part of the community.
"if you have a look at what's happening at the moment, you have the frontline medical services, the hospitals and the contact tracing.
"The other sector is the frontline community services, and they were the first to step up to the mark in terms of supporting older people with the meals on wheels.
"They're vital, their role is crucial on a daily basis, but more so now during this pandemic."
