The changing face of Irish society is also changing the way many support organisations go about their work, not least of these is the Citizen Information Centre (CIC ) in Mayo which has helped clients negotiate more than €50,000 in redundancy payments in just the last six months.
According to CIC manager Tomas Lally a lot of employers are refusing to pay correct entitlements to those they let go from work and as a result more and more people are approaching the centre for support in making claims.
“Up to half the queries now are about social welfare while information on employment rights is equally in demand. There’s a lot of frustration about and people are very worried and fearful for the future. Maybe they are angry at how they’ve been treated by former employers and suddenly finding themselves after a number of years working at the mercy of the system and finding social welfare is not what they expected.
“Also the complexity of queries have changed quite dramatically and we are providing direct support helping people pursue their claims for social welfare and employment rights. For example we would now help clients attend Employment Appeals Tribunals and Rights Commissioner Hearings and in the last six months we have supported five people to get over €50,000 in redundancy payments as well as €4,600 to others under the Payment of Wages Act.”
It is not a case that the Citizens Advice Bureau is helping people to get higher redundancy packages than those agreed with their employers however, but rather, it is ensuring employees get what they are due. Because the service is free and confidential, the centre is also acting as a crucial lifeline to those who cannot afford legal aid.
“We support and represent people if they can’t afford a solicitor and we have a free legal advice clinic once a month in Ballina and Castlebar by appointment, where people will get 15-20 minutes with a volunteer solicitor. It’s a good service and generally we find there are more looking for it than we can accommodate.
“It’s all about looking at options people have in particular situations, and advocacy work, being a voice for people and helping them speak up for their rights.”
For anyone needing support right now Mr Lally advises people to go to the centre first to check out their situation so that they will at least know where they stand.
“We can cut out a lot of the legwork and save you having to go from Billy to Jack so that you leave with a clear idea of what the choices are for you and what are your rights. If you cannot afford to buy the support you need we will do our best to provide it.”
Citizen Advice Centre is located on Hopkins Road, Castlebar, just up from the post office with sub-offices around the county. Lo-call 1890 777 121 or go online at www.citizensinformation.ie
