§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what monitoring is done of work carried out under the job creation scheme to ascertain whether it has equipped those participating to find permanent employment.
§ Mr. GoldingIt is too early to assess the effects of the Job Creation Programme on permanent employment for those participating. I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission, however, that, in evaluating the programme, a "follow-up" study will be made of JCP employees to find out about their subsequent work. Assistance is given to employees to find more permanent work or training opportunities.
§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future of the job creation scheme.
§ Mr. GoldingThe Job Creation Programme, which was originally due to end in March 1977, has been extended to September 1977. With the budget of £75 million, the Manpower Services Commission hopes to provide between 50,000 and 60,000 new temporary jobs.
§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what have been the costs to date and the number of jobs created under the job creation scheme in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, up to 21st May, 535 projects providing 6,369 jobs had been approved in Scotland with a grant of £6.3 million; in England 1,129 projects providing 12,816 jobs had474W been approved with a grant of £15.6 million; and in Wales, projects providing 2,815 jobs had been approved with a grant of £4.03 million. The Job Creation Programme does not extend to Northern Ireland.