Tús is a community employment initiative which provides quality, short-term suitable work opportunities for people who are long-term unemployed. It also provides services which benefit local community and voluntary organisations.
The Department of Social Protection is responsible for the Tús programme nationally and Co. Wicklow Community Partnership manages the roll out of the programme across Co. Wicklow.

To be eligible to participate on the Tús programme you must:
• Have been continuously unemployed for at least 12 months and signing on on a full-time basis; and
• Have been receiving a jobseeker’s payment (Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance) from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for at least 12 months; and
• Be currently receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA). Note: If you are getting JA and have break(s) of up to 30 days in your jobseekers record over the last 12 months, you will still be eligible for Tús.

Joining the Programme

In order to become a participant on the Tús programme you have to be referred to County Wicklow Partnership by DEASP. This is done by a process of random selection, however, if you meet the eligibility criteria set out above you can also self-refer onto the programme by completing a form and returning it to your local social welfare office who will then determine if you qualify for the programme.

Type of Work
County Wicklow Partnership has a wide variety of positions available on the Tús programme. Participants are employed in their local areas in roles such as Retail, Social Care, Tourism, Administration, Caretaking, Sports Coaching and lots more. The programme gives you an opportunity to use your skills and also to learn new skills.

Placements are with community and voluntary groups and for a duration of 12 months. During this period you will be a part time employee of County Wicklow Partnership and free to take up other employment outside of your contracted hours on Tús.

Community Groups

If you are a member of a community group that is interested in seeking support from the Tús programme, please contact our office for an application form and a member of the team will be in touch with you to discuss your needs.