§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the level of achievement of the Christmas guarantee for school leavers; and what is the average period of payment of bridging allowance for those awaiting YTS.
§ Mr. CopeThe previous "Christmas guarantee" of an offer of a YTS place for the previous summer's school leavers has been extended to a general guarantee of an offer of a YTS place to all 16 and 17-year-olds not in full-time education or employment whenever they apply. This guarantee is being fulfilled; there are more than sufficient YTS places available in all areas of the country for any young person who applies.
Information on the average period of payment of bridging allowance is not available.