§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Paymaster General what plans he has to extend to the Wolverhampton area the pilot schemes which have been initiated by his Department to assist the long-term unemployed.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkWe have no plans at present to extend the pilot schemes to the Wolverhampton area.
§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked Paymaster General what specific courses will be provided within the framework of the pilot schemes which have been initiated by his Department for assisting the long-term unemployed in improving their technical skills; where these will take place; and which people will be employed within jobcentres to advise participants in these schemes on interview techniques.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Manpower Services Commission already operates a number of training programmes open to the long-term unemployed, including the wider opportunities training programme, the job training scheme and the enterprise training. In addition to these programmes, the long-term unemployed in the pilot areas will be able to take up places on an entirely new short training course designed specifically with their needs in mind. These courses will be provided within reasonable distance of the trainee's home. Full travelling expenses will be paid. Some courses will use MSC facilities. Others may take place in colleges or be provided by chambers of commerce or other organisations. The courses will last one to two weeks and will aim to help participants reassess their strengths and skills and improve their techniques for looking for and applying for jobs. Experienced jobcentre staff have been assigned to each pilot area to carry out the counselling interviews at which the training needs of the long-term unemployed will be identified. Job clubs will also operate in each pilot area to help the long-term unemployed maintain the momentum of their job search.