A report commissioned by the Boards & Voluntary Agencies branch of IMPACT trade union, which represents workers in the community and voluntary sector, has warned that the sector is facing crisis as state funding is cut.
The report estimates that up to 5,000 jobs – almost 10% of the sector’s workforce – will be lost while demand for services provided by the sector continues to climb as a direct result of the recession. It also says that voluntary organisations which are more critical of government policy are more vulnerable, as they are seen as an ‘easy option to cut.’
The report, by independent research consultant Brian Harvey, was launched in Dublin today (Wednesday) by Shay Cody, General Secretary Designate of IMPACT. The report was commissioned by the union branch in order to examine the disproportionate effect of budgetary cuts in the sector, which provides a wide range of services to Ireland’s most vulnerable people and communities. There are approximately 6,100 voluntary and community organisations in Ireland, employing over 53,000 people. The estimated value of the sector to the economy is €6.5billion, while state funding is in the order of €1.89billion. The report finds that the economic crisis, which broke in autumn 2008, presented fresh demands on voluntary and community organisations, “Not only in traditional areas such as the need to help people with cash, shelter, food and food parcels, but in new areas such as money-lending, debt and mortgage arrears, as well as unemployment.”
Una O’Connor, secretary of IMPACT’s Boards and Agencies branch explained that the sector relies on a huge level of commitment and skill. “With limited resources, we have made this a strong and vibrant sector which supports a strong social economy. Inflicting cuts on the community and voluntary sector is nothing less than a betrayal of everything that we have achieved.” she said. Ms O’Connor works for the Sophia housing project in Dublin. Ms O’ Connor added, “This report confirms that the ability of the sector to represent those most in need will be sharply reduced and that the civil society voice for a more enlightened social policy will diminish. It marks the greatest risk that the community and voluntary sector, which has been a model of best practice and expertise in so many fields, has ever faced.”
During 2009 – 2010, when the state budget increased overall, budgets for voluntary and community organisations were reduced. On the state side, government spending rose by 6% in 2009 and is due to fall by 1.8% in 2010. However, the voluntary and community sector cuts were between 18% and 20% over the same period. The report says that while the cuts were lower in social and health services, they were much higher in the area of community development.
Ms O’Connor said that a contraction in the voluntary and community sector of about 15% over the next two years is expected, “We know that voluntary and community organisations are trying to absorb cuts. Most staff in these organisations have taken pay cuts similar to those in the public services or have gone on three day weeks.” However, despite efforts to absorb cuts through pay cuts and reduced working hours, heavy job losses are expected, “In employment, we project a loss of almost 5,000 jobs, with an additional 1,100 posts at risk in Community Employment. These are cautious and conservative projections. These jobs are done by skilled professionals, with years of experience and commitment, vital qualities for modern social and public services.”
Public services provided by the sector include social housing, services for people who are homeless, social services for children and older people, development aid, services for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, community development, services to people who are unemployed and disadvantaged communities.
Ms O’Connor said that community and voluntary organisations provide the ‘human face’ of public services to the most vulnerable people in our society, “These organisations have evolved into professional, quality services and are not a cheap alternative.” The report also highlights the risk of decline in volunteer activity in the sector, as the numbers of professional staff responsible for recruitment, training and retaining volunteers is also cut.
The report itself is in PDF format linked at the bottom of the statement, and can be linked directly here – http://www.impact.ie/iopen24/pub/general/HarveyReport2010.pdf
