§ 12. Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General how many of those taking up employment from the community programme are currently in the same employment after 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe information requested is not available. However, the results of the lastest follow-up survey of former community programme participants shows that about 30 per cent. of former participants responding obtained a job or training immediately on leaving, and 37 per cent. were in employment or training 10 months after leaving the community programme. Fifty four per cent. had had at least one job during the 10-month period.
§ Mr. ThurnhamIn view of my hon. Friend's encouraging reply and his recent most welcome visit to 432 Bolton to see the success of the pilot job guarantee schemes, will he extend these schemes nationally and give priority on the community programme to those who have been out of work longest?
§ Mr. LeeI know how much thought and effort my hon. Friend gives to this whole area of long-term unemployment in his constituency—something that I was able to observe on my recent visit to Bolton. The advantages of participation in the community programme are available to all those who are eligible, including the long-term unemployed. Indeed, 30 per cent. of those on the community programme had previously been unemployed for more than 18 months. However, the community programme is only one of the many restart options, and others may be more relevant to the long-term unemployed.
§ Ms. Clare ShortDoes the Minister agree that when people have to wait a year or 18 months for a job, then for 12 months receive about £45 a week for a low-level job, and then 70 per cent. of them are returned to unemployment, that is not a success but a failure? The people want real, decently paid permanent jobs, not this kind of manipulation of the long-term unemployment figures.