§ 26. Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current figure for unemployment in the construction industry; and what was the equivalent figure for 1st March 1974.
§ Mr. GoldingAt May 1976, 206,562 people who last worked in the construction industry were registered as unemployed in Great Britain. The corresponding figure for 1st March 1974 was 113,046.
§ 29. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the level of unemployment among apprentices and trainees in the construction industry on 1st June 1976.
§ Mr. GoldingWhilst information is not available in the form requested I understand from the Manpower Services Commission that on 31st May there were 595 redundant construction apprentices still unemployed and awaiting placement with other employers. In addition there are 162 redundant apprentices undergoing continued training under the sponsorship of the Construction Industry Training Board until employers can be found for them. The Training Services Agency has made available to the Construction ITB and other boards an adoption grant, currently of £750, as an incentive to employers to take over the apprenticeships of redundant apprentices. Further schemes are being developed by the Construction ITB to give site experience to redundant apprentices who cannot be found a new employer.