§ Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have participated in the job release scheme; and what is the average sum they have been paid for taking early retirement.
§ Mr. AlisonFrom January 1977, when the job release scheme began, to 1 February 1983, 221,463 people have entered the scheme. There have been a number of changes in the ages of eligibility for the scheme and the allowances paid, which means it is not possible to quote an average level of allowance. However, from 11 April 1983 the rates of job release allowance will be as follows:
Disabled men of60–63 and men of 62–63 Disabled men of 64 Men of 64 and Women of 59 per week taxed per week tax free For married applicants with a dependent spouse whose weekly income from all sources does not exceed £13 per week £67.20 £57.75 For single applicants and married applicants with a spouse whose income from all sources does exceed £13 per week. £54.60 £45.70