§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if the earnings cap rules for people on the New Deal 50-plus scheme will take into account income from other sources with particular reference to investments and occupational pensions; and if he will make a statement; [89032]
(2) what will be the level of the earnings cap on income above which a person on the New Deal 50-plus scheme will be ineligible for an employment credit. [89033]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithOur current proposals are that the Employment Credit will be paid only to people working full-time (over 30 hours a week) with income of less than £15,000 a year or part-time (16–30 hours a week) of £10,000 a year. The assessment of income will take into account earnings from the individual's employment, income from investments, income from property and occupational pensions. There will not be a capital test. The earnings limit is important to concentrate help on those most in need of added support in returning to work.