New scheme creates ‘real jobs with real pay’

“Rural Revive is not a scheme or a placement — it’s a real job, with real pay, for 12 months. To break the cycle of long-term unemployment, people need time to rebuild confidence, routines and belief in themselves. We’re creating a bridge between untapped local talent and employers who need skilled people.”

Jennifer Nolan, director of Future In Perspective, outlined a new employment scheme, which was launched in the Ulster Canal Stores, Clones, last Friday.

Future In Perspective, a family-run business in Virginia, has been charged with delivering the project.

A €2.8M investment will see 40 jobs created across Cavan and Monaghan, or 20 in each county.

Rural Revive will provide an Employment Subsidy Scheme (60% of employee’s wages), that will be topped up by the local employer (40%), ensuring employer commitment and engagement.

“We are focusing on people who may feel stuck — especially those over 45 — and giving them a real pathway back to work. If you genuinely want to return to work, even if it feels like a big step, Rural Revive is here for you. Participation is voluntary — this only works when people and employers want to be part of it,” Ms Nolan continued.

While, some expressions of interest in the scheme have already been received from prospective employers and employees across the region, applications from both are still very much open.

"We haven’t placed anybody yet; we are aiming for September," revealed Ms Nolan.

"We only have three years to deliver the programme. We want the companies to get the full benefit… Our minimum target is that 50% of people employed by Rural Revive will stay on after the programme. People might want to start part-time, they might want more hours – we’re very flexible. We might end up creating two part-time positions,” she continued.

“It’s almost like a form of ‘speed dating’ for employment but done in a genuine and supportive way. That personal relationship is what makes this programme different,” Minister Niamh Smyth said, when she officiated the launch. Her portfolio is within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD said that many people had the lived experience of unemployment and knew how difficult it could be.

She added that they could be out of work for many reasons. Minister Smyth also observed that employers are crying out for good people and that’s why she felt Rural Revive was so vital.

“Experience, reliability and loyalty are huge strengths, particularly among those returning to work later in their careers. Mid-career workers coming back into employment are a huge asset to any business.”

Then listing some of the initiative’s strengths, she added: “You don’t have to be on social welfare — it broadens the net to reach more people. It’s capturing talent that might otherwise be overlooked. There is an incredible breadth of skills among people out of work — skills that can absolutely be brought back into the workforce.”

John Farrell from the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) was also at the launch. The organisation was formed almost 40 years ago with the aim of “giving a voice to those out of work".

Part of the steering group, he said: “Rural Revive is an excellent initiative — creating real opportunities for people who have been out of work long-term.

This programme brings employers and jobseekers together in a meaningful way. It has the potential to transform lives — and that’s what makes it so important.”

If you are an employer and want to register your interest or a jobseeker aged 45 years plus, who has been unemployed for 12 months or more in Cavan or Monaghan, contact the Employee Support Officer for your county.

Cavan: Laura Brady - email: lbrady@midl.ie or call 0876574675

Monaghan: Yvonne Farrelly - email: yfarrelly@midl.ie or call 087-4603382.

Rural Revive is a social innovation initiative co-funded by the European Union, with local partners in the project Future In Perspective, Cavan County Local Development and Monaghan Integrated Development.