§ 29. Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have used, in the last three months for which figures are available, the job release scheme and the job-splitting scheme; how much have both schemes cost for the same period; and how much it has cost to publicise each scheme.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkIn the period January to March 1984, the last three months for which figures are available, 13,626 people have joined the job release schemes. In the same period 102 jobs have been split under the job-splitting scheme providing 204 part-time jobs. At the end of March a total of 95,000 people were covered by the job release schemes and 836 by the job-splitting scheme.
Expenditure on the job release schemes and the job splitting scheme over the same period has been £64,729,000 and £84,000 respectively.
The total cost of advertising the job release schemes has been £2,149,458, the job-splitting scheme £423,208.
§ 40. Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for Employment what the latest figures are for take-up of the job-splitting scheme; and whether he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Alan ClarkBy the end of March 1984, 836 jobs had been split under the job-splitting scheme, providing 1,672 part-time job opportunities.
It was always expected that the scheme would take time to build up as employers and employees consider its potential advantages. The scheme is open for applications until 31 March 1985 and we shall continue to monitor progress closely.