Talk Talk Programme
The Department of Education and Skills submitted an application on 29th February 2012 for EU co-financing under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to support 592 redundant workers at the Talk Talk call centre facility in Waterford and three ancillary enterprises (AA Security Services, Noonan Services Group Ltd. and Campbell Catering trading as Aramark). The application, was approved by the EU on the 25th October 2012 and will assist in providing a mix of training, education, enterprise support and upskilling interventions to former Talk Talk workers.
The application sought €5.4 million with 50% provided by the EU on the 6th of December 2012. The EGF programme will run for 24 months until February 2014. Amongst the measures being offered under the EGF application are additional employment services supports and advice, FÁS and VEC training courses, a certificate in career development and skills enhancement at Waterford Institute of Technology and the development of an accelerated programme in the science field, EGF training grants for study in private colleges and training organisations and enterprise supports through the County and City Enterprise Boards. In addition, an EGF contribution towards the expenses incurred in attending courses will assist eligible redundant workers in meeting some of the basic costs (e.g. travel, subsistence and course materials) in accessing guidance, training and education courses.
The co-ordination of EGF services for the Talk Talk workers is being provided by the specialist EGF coordination unit which has worked previously on the EGF programme for redundant Dell workers and Construction workers. The unit, which is co-ordinating guidance supports with the Employment Services Office of the Department of Social Protection, has an office in Waterford City and is open for walk-in referrals. All eligible redundant workers were written to on 9th March 2012 in relation to the types of services currently available. In the interim general enquiries may be made to the FÁS EGF Unit in Waterford on 051-862907.
