§ 53. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Paymaster General whether he is planning additional programmes for the long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkWe are concerned to ensure the most effective arrangements for helping long-term unemployed people back into the labour market, and therefore keep our range of current measures under constant review.
§ 59. Mr. Wattsasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the progress of employment counselling services for the long-term unemployed.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkSince 1981 jobcentres have helped a proportion of long-term unemployed job seekers through a structured programme of individual counselling interviews. More recently, the Manpower Services Commission has set up a number of job clubs, which offer intensive coaching for the long-term unemployed in job finding techniques.
In addition, on 6 January, a new six-month pilot programme began in which as many as possible of the long-term unemployed in nine pilot areas will be offered counselling interviews. The results of the programme will be evaluated later this year.