The Taipei City Government yesterday announced a budget of NT$2.4 billion (US$71 million) for subsidies and training courses for unemployed residents and those on unpaid leave, encouraging residents to take advantage of government resources.
The city’s Department of Labor has presented six labor programs since late last year. Measures include subsidies for the unemployed and their children, job-training programs for companies and unemployed residents and subsidies for those planning to start small businesses. The measures were offered to help the unemployed find jobs and equip current employees with more skills to stay in the job market.
Department commissioner Su Ying-kuei (蘇盈貴) yesterday said many residents remained unaware of most of the programs and encouraged those in need to apply for subsidies or courses.
There have been 2,139 new job openings at more than 900 local companies since last November. However, only 556 vacancies have been filled so far, Su said, urging unemployed residents to attend job fairs held by the department or to contact the department for more information.
Su also urged the central government to join forces with local governments to provide long-term employment solutions.
“Facing the unemployment wave, we appreciate the government’s efforts to solve the problem. However, the government should not take chaotic steps,” he said yesterday at Taipei City Hall.
Instead of offering temporary jobs, the government should put greater effort into presenting long-term solutions, Su said.
For more information about the programs in the department, call the department at (02) 2720-8889 ext.7029.
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