§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what advice he has given to employment exchanges and job-centres concerning the rules which govern the availability for work in respect of registered unemployed occupational male pensioners between the ages of 60 and 65 years; whether such pensioners are actively encouraged to accept a job different in character from that in which they have been previously engaged but which it is judged they are nevertheless capable of undertaking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the staff of jobcentres and employment offices are advised to make clear to a registered unemployed male occupational pensioner who is being interviewed that he must be prepared to accept the type of work, rates of pay, hours, etc., as are reasonable, having regard to his age, and the district where he lives or where he is prepared to work. He is encouraged to take any reasonable initiatives open to him to find suitable employment, in addition to keeping in touch with the jobcentre or employment office.