Participants in a special training programme for the unemployed will be paid additional expenses, the labour ministry and the human resources development authority (HRDA) announced on Friday.

The programme covers those who join a vocational training and work experience programme for four months in the public sector, local authorities, NGOs, and non-profit organisations.

It was decided to pay an allowance of €5 per day or €25 per week for travel and other expenses.

In case of unemployed persons who have placed in districts other than those they reside in, the allowance is increased to €8 per day or €40 per week.

This allowance is in addition to the training allowance which amounts to €25 per day, €125 per week, the announcement said.

The HRDA also pays for contributions to the social insurance fund, the social cohesion fund and Gesy, in accordance with relevant legislation.