HC Deb 08 May 1998 vol 311 cc525-6W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress made in establishing a network of personal advisers to help sick and disabled people overcome barriers to work; and what is the timetable for further plans relating to the scheme. [41062]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 6 May 1998]: The Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and for Social Security announced, on 9 March, plans to pilot the Personal Adviser service in 12 areas. The first six areas, to be run by the Employment Service, will start by October 1998. The remainder will be put out to open tender and start in early 1999. To help develop the shape of the Personal Adviser service we shall he holding a consultation event on 12 May. National implementation, probably from April 2000, will be considered in the light of the emerging lessons from these pilots.

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what(a) qualification requirements and (b) compulsory training requirements there are for personal advisers for the New Deal for the long-term sick and disabled. [41061]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 6 May 1998]: A consultation event on the development of the Personal Adviser service will take place on 12 May 1998. Organisations representing the views of a wide range of disabled people have been invited. We will be considering in the light of this what, if any, compulsory training or qualification requirements there could usefully be.