HC Deb 06 March 1979 vol 963 cc658-9W
Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the size of staff at the Professional and Executive Recruitment branch serving Hemel Hempstead and the Dacorum district council area, listed by grade and job function; how this compares with the position one and two years ago; what were the total number of interviews carried out for each of the last three years; and whether he is satisfied with the workings of this office.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Luton office of Professional and Executive Recruitment which covers the Hemel Hempstead and the Dacorum district council area is considered to be working satisfactorily.

Recruitment Services Executive Staff Clerical and Others Executive Staff Services for Jobseekers Clerical and Others
March 1979 … … … 10 1 3 8
March 1978 … … … 9½ 1 2½ 8
March 1977 … … … 9½ 1 2½ 8

No records are kept of the number of interviews which are carried out, as these vary greatly in type, but the volume of traffic through the office in terms of the number of job seekers enrolling has remained fairly constant over the three years at around 450 to 500 per month.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current total waiting list for appointments for careers advice and job vacancies at the nearest branch of Professional and Executive Recruitment serving Hemel Hemp-stead and the Dacorum district council area from that area and totally; what is the average length of time it takes to obtain an appointment; how this compares with the position one and two years ago; what priority is given to those who are (a) unemployed and (b) have not worked since leaving university or other courses of full-time education; and how priorities are set in deciding interview allocations.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that in normal circumstances immediate appointments at the Luton office of Professional and Executive Recruitment can be made for all individuals seeking general em-

1976 1977 1978 1979
Aged l6 and l7 … … … … … 12.1 13.4 14.5 11.8
General unemployment rate … … … 5.4 6.0 6.4 6.0