HC Deb 22 February 1980 vol 979 cc388-90W
Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number and percentage of those out of work in Bury and Radcliffe and in regions of the United Kingdom as a whole, under 25 years of age, who have experienced the following duration of unemployment (a) 26 to 52 weeks and (b) over 52 weeks.

Mr. Jim Lester

Following is the information at 10 January for the area covered by the Bury and Radcliffe employment offices and for each region of the United Kingdom.

tered disabled people are now unemployed, what is the number expressed as a percentage of the total registered disabled; and how this compares with the national average.

Mr. Jim Lester

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, on 10 January 1980, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 60,020 registered disabled people unemployed, representing 12.5 per cent. of all registered disabled people compared to a general unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what response has been made to the "Fit for Work" scheme to encourage employment of disabled people; how many new jobs have actually been produced; what further steps he proposes to take to reduce unemployment among disabled workers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jim Lester

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the response to its "Fit for Work" campaign on behalf of disabled people has been encouraging. 2,000 leading employers and trade union representatives visited the mobile train exhibition in September and October last year, as did many other people at open sessions during its tour of 12 major industrial centres. In addition, a programme of some 300 local presentations is well advanced with some 10,000 employers and trade union representatives having attended so far.

Changing attitudes towards disabled people will be a long term process, and the aims of the campaign are not restricted to the creation of immediate vacancies. However, the hon. Member may like to know that the proportion of disabled people among the unemployed population was smaller last month than in October just after the campaign had started.

The MSC's disablement resettlement officers are following up the interest created by the campaign with a series of visits to local employers. The "Fit for Work" award scheme is another means of keeping the objectives of the campaign in the public eye. Awards will be presented to firms which have done most to implement constructive policies in relation to the employment of disabled people.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the number of employers who are breaking the law by employing less than their statutory quota of 3 per cent. disabled and engaging a fit person without a permit of exemption; how many employers have been prosecuted; and what further legal action he proposes to take for any infringement of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944.

Mr. Jim Lester

I am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that on 1 June 1979, the latest date for which information is available, the number of employers who were below quota and had not been issued with permits was 8,822. Precise figures are not available, but it is likely that many of these employees have at some time made unauthorised engagements.

Action against employers, when apparent infringements are discovered, is considered in the light of the circumstances of each case. Present policy is not to prosecute unless the infringement is flagrant or blatant. I have no plans to change this policy before the MSC's current review of the quota scheme has been completed.

Six employers have so far been prosecuted for making unauthorised engagements, though there have been no prosecutions in recent years.

Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the latest available information on the numbers of firms receiving aid via the capital grants scheme, the sum authorised and the number of disabled persons gaining employment.

Mr. Jim Lester

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.