HC Deb 08 November 1976 vol 919 cc83-4W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken through his Department in the county of Bedfordshire to ensure that workers trained under a Government retraining scheme secure employment despite union resistance in some instances.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the placing of ex-skillcentre trainees is kept under close review both at national and local levels. Considerable effort is concentrated on building up sound working relationships with trade unions in all areas.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will raise with the unions involved their insistence that firms do not give jobs to retrained men who have not completed a four to five year apprenticeship scheme and thus avoid further wastage of public funds arising from Government retraining schemes.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that syllabuses of courses set up at skillcentres are agreed with and have the full support of trade unions. During the current recession local pressures sometimes develop which have the effect of giving unem- ployed time-served men preference over newly trained people. The Training Services Agency endeavours to do whatever is possible to enable skillcentre trainees to take employment which makes proper use of their training.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will investigate why Mr. Edward Stewart of Bedford, who was retrained at the Letchworth skillcentre and completed his nine months course in August 1976, has not been able to secure a job through his Department, although he has made earnest endeavours to find one, and jobs are available locally of the type that he can undertake.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it will investigate this matter.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will set up an inquiry to discover why nine men living in Bedford who have completed job retraining schemes have failed to find jobs.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that an investigation will be undertaken if the hon. Member will provide more details.