§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children are expected to leave school in each of the school-leaving periods during the next 12 months; what assessment he has made of job prospects for them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe estimated numbers are as follows:
Total number of leavers Leavers available for employment Autumn term 1981 17,400 16,800 Spring term 1982 1,700 1,600 Summer term 1982 71,000 53,000 Although the process may take a little longer than in the past, a substantial proportion of those school leavers who do not go on to full-time further education can expect to find a job within a few months of leaving school. For those who do not do so, the Manpower Services Commission has renewed and strengthened its undertaking to find a suitable place on the youth opportunities programme.