§ 41. Mrs. René e Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to attract more women into 298W using the new job centres; and if he will make a statement about the numbers of women seeking employment through the centres to date.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithJob centres aim to attract more women's custom by offering them a service in pleasant informal surroundings. The concept of service in attractive offices is fundamental to the job centre. In addition the offices are sited in main streets and shopping centres—areas which are particularly convenient to women. Each job centre provides self-service facilities backed up by employment advisers who are specially trained to deal with women's employment problems. Advice is given on returning to work after a long absence and on training facilities which are available to help women realise their potential.
Three job centres have recently opened at Reading, Wakefield and Havant. A total of nearly 800 women have so far registered for work through them, and many more have made general inquiries. Week by week there is a study increase in the numbers of women using the new service. There has also been a very considerable increase in the number of women taking advantage of the Training Opportunities Scheme, especially to acquire or brush up commercial and clerical skills.
§ 51. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department's new job centres will provide advice on recruitment and training problems to employers.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithManagers of job centres and their staff of employment advisers of the Department's conciliation to employers with recruitment and training problems. The service of manpower advisers of the Department's concilitation and advisory service continue to be available to employers with specific manpower problems.