CAMCAS seeks 10 redundancies amid seven-week worker lay-offs

A publicly-funded community company, which provides social housing repairs and home insulation for older people and people with disabilities in the Cavan-Monaghan region, has confirmed it has placed 23 staff on a seven-week lay-off amid concerns over future funding.
Cavan And Monaghan Community Area Services (CAMCAS) Ltd, based at Daisy Hill, Ballyconnell, is understood to be looking for 10 redundancies in the hope the company can remain a going concern.
The Anglo-Celt understands staff at CAMCAS, which is a not-for-profit company and also the main provider of social housing repairs in the region, were given seven days notice last week. The lay-offs came into effect as of yesterday evening, Wednesday, May 25.
The Celt understands that the move is as a result of a delay in specific governmental funding streams, potentially crucial to the survival of the company, coming online.
CAMCAS is supported by funding from POBAL through the Department of Social Protection for payroll costs.
At the CAMCAS Ballyconnell site, the company operates an administration office, as well as allotments, community garden, sensory garden and a Men's Shed set within the 1.5 acre grounds.
The Anglo-Celt received a statement this morning (Thursday) from Josephine O'Hagan, chair of the voluntary board that manages CAMCAS, outlining the company's current position.
“CAMCAS is currently reviewing the structure and operation of the company. This review will involve an examination of all options available to the company. The issue to be examined will include productivity, cost reduction, diversification and voluntary redundancies.”
Ms O'Hagan added: “When the review has been completed the steps identified as necessary to secure the future of the company will be implemented. CAMCAS looks forward to an early resumption of work and continuing to provide a quality service to the people of Cavan and Monaghan.”