§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits of extending the relaxation of the 16 hour rule to all adults unemployed for(a) more than six months, (b) more than 12 months and (c) more than 18 months. [7111]
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§ Mr. Alan HowarthNo such assessment has been made. The New Deal announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 3 July will provide a range of quality options for unemployed people to help them make the transition back into work, with a strong emphasis on the importance of education and training.
The New Deal for people aged 25 and over, who have been unemployed for two years or more will include opportunities for full-time study while receiving JSA.
In addition, and subject to Parliamentary approval, we will be expanding Workskill Pilots to four more areas of Britain so that those unemployed for six months or more will be able to take up education or training and remain on Jobseeker's Allowance. The pilots will provide us with valuable information on the extent to which allowing people to study on benefit affects their chances of gaining and remaining in employment.