N.S. shifts employment support for income assistance recipients, results in layoffs
As a result of the change, about 300 staff were issued a voluntary call for resignation Tuesday, and three non-union workers were laid off.
The Nova Scotia government is altering the way residents on income assistance receive employment support, a move that will affect approximately 85 provincial positions and potentially lead to layoffs. The Department of Opportunities and Social Development and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration announced that income assistance recipients looking for work will be directed to Nova Scotia Works, the province's free employment support network, rather than through an employment service provided by the former Department of Opportunities and Social Development, which will be phased out as part of the change.
Shelley James, the associate deputy minister of the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, stated that the move aims to streamline access to support and lessen the duplication of services. Additionally, it will help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, as all Nova Scotians will subsequently have access to the same employment services.
As a consequence, about 300 staff members were given a voluntary call for resignation on Tuesday, with three non-union workers being laid off. James explained that while 75 to 85 full-time positions will be affected by the change, this figure does not represent the total number of individuals facing layoffs. "The voluntary call is the initial step in our process to minimize layoffs," she said, adding that the department is seeking to fill vacancies that arise from the change.
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