Self-reliance key: Carrie Lam said at the kick-off ceremony for the Intensive Employment Assistance Projects that if we can encourage the return of employable CSSA recipients to the labour market, we can relieve the pressure on CSSA expenditure.

The CSSA active caseload for September was 288,648, including 51,372 unemployment cases, an increase of just 0.4% from August. The Director of Social Welfare says this shows the effectiveness of the intensified Support for Self-reliance measures.

"The easing of the growth rate of the CSSA caseload is not only the result of a decrease in new applications; it also shows the effectiveness of the intensified Support for Self-reliance measures," Carrie Lam said.

Mrs Lam encouraged employable CSSA recipients and 'near CSSA' recipients at risk of falling into the CSSA net to take advantage of help to improve their job skills so they can move towards greater self-reliance.

She made the remark after officiating at the kick-off ceremony and cheque presentation for the Intensive Employment Assistance Projects.

"If we can encourage the return of employable CSSA recipients to the labour market, we can relieve the pressure on CSSA expenditure," she said.

The community is helping the Social Welfare Department in its efforts to encourage self-reliance. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Lotteries Fund have allocated $200 million to commission non-governmental organisations as operating agencies to launch IEAPs.

100 projects for 27,000 people

With these funds, the operating agencies can provide tailor-made employment assistance services to CSSA and near-CSSA recipients to help them secure jobs.

Through IEAPs, 100 projects are planned in three batches over a period of four years, helping about 27,000 people in the process.

The operating agencies will render individualised employment assistance services to enhance the participants' employability and ability to sustain employment.

They will also provide temporary financial aid to tide participants over hardship and help them meet short-term basic needs so that they do not fall into the CSSA net.

Operating agencies may also set up small businesses to provide participants with work opportunities. As a further boost to those striving for self-sufficiency, agencies will provide at least three months' post-placement support services for people who have secured full-time employment.

In the first batch launched today, 40 projects will be implemented from October 2003 to September 2006.

More than 14,000 expected to benefit

The projects to be run by 33 non-governmental organisations, will benefit more than 10,000 CSSA recipients and 4,000 'near CSSA' recipients.

The department will invite applications for the second and third batches next year.