§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether participants on learning for work and the new community action programme who are unable to get jobs after they leave their scheme can immediately take advantage of the 21-hour rule; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtPeople who have completed the learning for work scheme or the community action programme have to satisfy the normal qualifying conditions before they can take advantage of the 21-hour rule concession. Those who receive an element of income support during their participation will be treated in the same way as other income support recipients. The three months in receipt of a qualifying benefit required under the 21-hour rule can therefore include time spent in either of these schemes.