§ 42. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding 104W the two-year waiting period of ineligibility for unemployment benefit for citizens of the United Kingdom who have returned from working overseas.
§ Mr. OrmeThere is no statutory waiting period for persons in these circumstances, and the normal contribution conditions apply. The EEC Social Security Regulations and bilateral reciprocal agreements with a further 13 countries enable foreign contributions to count towards satisfying these conditions. Regulations made under the Social Security Act also assist persons sent abroad to work by British employers to meet these conditions on their return. Representations are occasionally received from persons returning from abroad to whom these arrangements do not apply and who need to requalify for benefit by virtue of employment in this country.