§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to review the supervision of the advice given on training to clients of his Department by departmental offices and by agencies to whom clients are recommended for training.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythEmployment Service (ES) advisers are trained in techniques to diagnose client need so that they may suggest a suitable job or training opportunity. If a client feels they have been misinformed, the ES operates an easy to use complaints system.
Someone who is interested in training and enterprise council (TEC) provided training will be given more detailed guidance by the training body or an independent guidance agency appointed by the TEC. TECs are required to operate quality control procedures and will take up any complaint made to them by a client.
I have been advised that these procedures are working in a broadly satisfactory way and there is no need for a fundamental review. Guidance can, however, be a complex area and clients are occasionally misinformed. Where these cases are brought to our attention the matter is always investigated.
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to increase the allowances paid to young people on the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeThere are no plans to increase minimum youth training (YT) allowances. Minimum YT allowances are set at levels which reflect the fact that trainees are involved in the learning process and I believe current levels are sufficient to meet the normal requirements of trainees living in the parental home.
Trainees who live independently may apply for income support if they consider their income is insufficient to meet their needs. Employers are the main beneficiaries of the Government's investment in training and are strongly encouraged to supplement trainee incomes—an estimated 30 per cent. of YT trainees are employed and receive wages.