§ 42. Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will amend the conditions relating to the payment of unemployment benefit so that an unemployed person who is able to find part-time or temporary work does not lose his complete entitlement to benefit on each day that he is working.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNo. Unemployment benefit is intended for people who are unemployed. A "subsidiary occupation" rule does permit a person who loses his main job to receive unemployment benefit even though he may be engaged in a small amount of part-time employment, but any extension of that rule on the lines suggested by the hon. Lady would convert the benefit into a form of wage subsidy.
§ 43. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will take steps to amend the regulations for persons claiming unemployment benefit so as to encourage those people to continue part-time education.
§ Mr. O'MalleyA person who is undergoing part-time education can already receive unemployment benefit provided that he is available for employment.