§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment in what circumstances(a) the Employment Service can vary a claimants signing on time to enable that person to attend a training and education course, and (b) a claimant who has been participating in a part-time education or training course can continue in that course and have it included in a training for work action plan; and if he will make a statement. [15249]
§ Miss WiddecombeThe allocation of signing days and times is the responsibility of Employment Service office managers who are best placed to take account of local circumstances which affect clients access to jobcentres. Local office managers are encouraged to vary signing times and/or days to facilitate clients undertaking a course of study or training, provided they are satisfied attendance does not prevent an individual from fulfilling the conditions for receipt of benefit.
With regard to the training for work programme, clients are assessed in order to establish the most appropriate mix of training and work experience to meet their needs and to formulate a TFW action plan. This may include continuation of a course they are already following.