HC Deb 21 July 1953 vol 46 cc215-6W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he intends to take to ensure that young people on youth opportunities programme schemes, injured during their work, are properly compensated; and what insurance cover is provided for them.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Sponsors are required to take out insurance cover against possible claims from trainees and others. This is normally achieved by extending employers' liability insurance to cover trainees. In addition, the Manpower Services Commission may make payment for injuries received, equivalent to those paid under the industrial injuries scheme.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people have suffered injury during their work on youth opportunities programme schemes; how many have returned to work; and what compensation they have received.

Mr. Peter Morrison

During the period April 1980 to December 1982, 7,910 accidents involving young people on youth opportunities programme schemes were reported to the commission. In about half of these cases the young person was fit to resume training within three weeks.

Those trainees who were not able to resume training within three weeks were paid benefits equal to those available to employed persons under the industrial injuries scheme. Information is not available on how many of these subsequently resumed training.