Youth Training Scheme (Hansard, 5 March 1985)

§ 1. Sir John Farr
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will extend the length of the youth training scheme.

§ The Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Tom King)
This is one of a number of ways of increasing opportunities for young people which we are considering.

§ Sir John Farr
Will my right hon. Friend consider extending the length of the scheme, as it has been so successful? If he extended it initially to one and a half years, and later to two years, would that not be a tremendous investment in the youth of Britain?

§ Mr. King
I am grateful for the tribute that my hon. Friend has paid to the scheme, and I am encouraged by its success in many different respects. I am also encouraged by the expressions of appreciation from many hon. Members for the contribution that the scheme is making.

§ Mr. Meadowcroft
Is not the problem a lack of flexibility in YTS, in that it suggests the possibility of a job in all cases, whereas it might be as well to help youngsters to survive if, alas, they cannot obtain jobs thereafter?

§ Mr. King
Obviously, in different parts of the country the success rate in finding full-time employment varies. Some of the schemes, including those in the construction' industry, travel agents and hotels and catering, are outstandingly successful, with 90 per cent. or more of youngsters going into full-time work. However, we hope to keep the scheme flexible and to continue to improve it.

§ Mr. Rowe
My right hon. Friend will be aware that the Manpower Services Commission told the Select Committee on Employment that it was worried about the status of YTS trainees, and especially about the absence of a form of contract such as is common in Germany. If my right hon. Friend extends the scheme, as we all hope he will, will he take that matter seriously into consideration?

§ Mr. King
It is important that status is clearly established. If there were proposals to extend the scheme, my hon. Friend's suggestion would add to the improvements that we are considering.

§ Mr. Park
Is the Minister aware that some youngsters cannot go on the youth training scheme because of the change in board and lodging allowance? The position is that any young person who does not live at home with his or her parents and who depends entirely on the money received under the youth training scheme finds it impossible to pay for lodgings and to keep himself on the money available under the scheme. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that matter?

§ Mr. King
We are constantly anxious to meet any such problems. In two successive years we have given what is called the Christmas undertaking that every young person aged 16 who does not go into further education or straight into a job will be guaranteed the offer of a place. We shall wish to ensure that that continues.

§ Mr. Haselhurst
Is not an extension of the YTS to two years extremely necessary not only to put Britain on a par with other industrialised nations but to give us the opportunity to provide a proper blend of education and training for all youngsters up to the age of 18 before they seek work?

§ Mr. King
An extension of the scheme would bring us more into line with other member countries of the EC. Anyone who has had the opportunity to study the scheme will realise how essential it is for the scheme to help in the transition from the world of education to the world of work, and to help to give people a proper founding and training for their future work.

§ Mr. Sheerman
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even if he takes on board Labour party policy and extends the scheme to two years, that will be no answer to the fact that we are the worst trained nation in the industrial world? Does he appreciate that we need a revolution in training if we are to face our competitors on a fair and square basis? Is he aware that it is the quality as well as the quantity of the youth training scheme that we need to increase? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if he makes the YTS compulsory at the same time as extending it, he will put a stigma on the scheme which will kill it stone dead for many young people?

§ Mr. King
My hon. Friends will have taken pleasure at that supplementary question, as some Opposition Members have never stopped trying to find ways to criticise the scheme and carp about its operation. Not only is there more joy in heaven, but there is more joy in the Government if the Opposition have repented in their opposition to the YTS. I shall be delighted, should we be able to proceed to an extension, if that has the support of the Opposition.