§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Institute of Manpower Studies has carried out an assessment of the young workers scheme; what is the nature of its report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Institute of Manpower Studies has carried out a preliminary assessment of employers' likely reactions to the young workers scheme. The survey, which was launched in December last year and closed in early February, was intended to predict the take-up rate and employment impact of the scheme and to report on employers' attitudes to it.
My Department has been monitoring the operation of the scheme. We intend to send reports on both the IMS and internal surveys to the Select Committee on Employment.