EMPLOYERS SLOW TO HIRE RECOVERING DRUG ADDICTS

Employers are slow to make a leap of faith when it comes to hiring
recovering drug addicts, and many still view former addicts as criminals.

The Merchant's Quay Project in Dublin, which assists recovering drug
misusers back into the workplace, launched its interim report last
night following its first pilot year of operation.

The report, From Residential Drug Treatment to Employment, found small
companies were more open than larger firms to hiring recovering heroin
addicts.

It also showed a high rate of relapse back into illegal drugs for
addicts who return to a life of unemployment, poor housing and
marginalisation following detoxification.

The report said treatment for addicts focuses too much on physical
recovery while neglecting the psychological and emotional needs of an
addict reintegrating back into society.

After they had completed detoxification, the EU-funded programme
trained 22 recovering addicts in job search and interview skills.

Trainees also underwent four-week work placements offered by a range
of companies recruited for the programme.

Eighteen trainees completed the course with seven people going on to
full-time employment as store managers, forklift drivers, office
workers and Information Technology administrators.

Merchant's Quay director, Tony Geoghegan said the course clearly
demonstrated former drug users had a positive contribution to make to
society.

"It's time we stopped viewing drug users as potential criminals and
started seeing them as potential employees and taxpayers," he said.

Junior Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy,
Chris Flood said there was ample evidence to show social circumstances
influenced treatment and reoffending.

"It is important therefore that former misusers are offered a planned
and structured programme backed by appropriate supports to enable them
to play a full and meaningful role in society," said Mr Flood.

Outlining the cost of running the project which needs about pounds
150,000 this year, Mr Geoghegan said it cost over pounds 6,000 a year
to provide social welfare and rent allowance for one person.

"There are also clear benefits to employers from the programme
including an untapped labour pool in an era of increasing labour shortages."