§ Mr. George Howarthasked the Paymaster General how many people in Merseyside have been interviewed under the restart programme; and of those, how many have since (a) obtained jobs, (b) joined the community programme, (c) joined job clubs, (d) taken part in the enterprise allowance scheme, (e) undertaken restart courses, (f) undergone training, (g) taken part in voluntary projects, and (h) remained unemployed: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 25 February 1987, c. 313–14]: From 12 May 1986 to 8 January 1987, 52,203 people were interviewed on Merseyside under the restart scheme. We have no means of knowing precisely how many have since found jobs or other opportunities which might lead to employment. However, 75 per cent. of participants agreed to pursue the offer made to them at their restart interview.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Paymaster General if he will publish in the Official Report the list of restart menu options that will be offered to unemployed 18 to 25-yearolds when the job training scheme is extended outside the current 10 pilot areas.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 26 February 1987 at c. 339]: When the new job training scheme is extended outside the current 10 pilot areas the menu options that will be available to unemployed people aged 18 to 25 will include (subject to individual eligibility)
- —a submission to a job;
- —a submission to a place on a job club;
- —a referral for information on the enterprise allowance scheme;
- —a submission to the new job training scheme;
- —a submission for training under the commission's other training programmes for adults;
- —a submission for a job on the community programme;
- —a place on a restart course;
- —locally available voluntary opportunities
- —referrals to specialist help, for example a disablement resettlement officer.
Offers from the menu will be made in the light of which option will best help the individual's return to employment.