HC Deb 21 November 1977 vol 939 cc590-1W
Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether he will publish in theOfficial Report the unemployment figures in Hackney compared with each of the past five years; why there have been increases; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to reduce these unemployment figures;

(2) whether he will publish in theOfficial Report the unemployment figures in Islington compared with each of the past five years; why there have been increases; and what action he has taken or intends to take to reduce these unemployment figures.

Mr. Golding

The numbers registered as unemployed in the employment office areas which most closely correspond with the London borough of Hackney during the past five years were:

borough of Islington during the past five years were:

skilled workers, in manufacturing industry.

We have introduced a number of special employment measures. Some 690 people have benefited from these in the Hackney area and over 550 in Islington. We would welcome further applications under the job creation and work experience programmes and for the temporary and youth employment subsidies. On 29th June my right hon. Friend announced further measures to reduce unemployment which will come into operation during 1978 and which should benefit unemployed people in Hackney and Islington, as in the country as a whole. These include a youth opportunities programme which will give up to 230,000 unemployed youngsters each year a chance to participate in work preparation courses and to gain work experience. This is about double the provision for young people under the present scheme. In addition, the youth employment subsidy scheme will be extended to 31st March 1978. The first will provide 8,000 places for adults from the unemployment register to instruct and supervise youngsters on work experience schemes. The second, the special temporary employment programmes (STEP) will provide temporary employment opportunities of up to 12 months for 25,000 adults aged 19 and over.

Finally, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 8th November he plans to offer a partnership arrangement to Hackney and Islington.