HL Deb 18 January 1977 vol 379 cc22-4WA
Lord MCCARTHY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the latest figures available on an annual basis relating to the number of persons under 25 who have been involved in programmes for the alleviation of unemployment and related problems, e.g. counter cyclical training measures, job creation, job swap and the operation of the temporary employment subsidy.

Lord ORAM

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the information is as follows:

Counter Cyclical Training Measures

The number of young people assisted by the programme of support for training in industry was 19,796 in 1975 and, up to the end of November, 35,481 in 1976. It is estimated that, in 1976, rather more than 10,000 unemployed young people with no reasonable prospects of employment, attended special courses directly provided or supported by the Training Services Agency.

Job Creation

It is estimated that, in 1976, approximately 30,000 people aged under 25 were employed on projects under the job creation programme.

Work Experience

Under the work experience programme, by 18th December 1976, 744 organisations had work experience schemes approved, involving 6,029 places, all for young people aged under 19. Of these, 364 schemes had started, offering 3,523 places. Measures for which my Department is responsible include the job release scheme and the temporary employment subsidy.

Job Release Scheme

I regret that this information is not available in respect of the job release scheme.

Temporary Employment Subsidy

As far as the temporary employment subsidy is concerned, I regret the figures are not available in the form requested. However, in May 1976 a sample survey indicated that about 10 per cent. of the workers covered by applications were aged 20 years or less, and that 41 per cent. were between 21 and 39 years of age. Applying these percentage rates to the total number of workers covered by approved applications as at 17th December 1976 (162,000), we have 16,200 workers aged 20 and under and 66,400 between 21 and 39 years.

Recruitment Subsidy for School Leavers

The recruitment subsidy for school leavers was brought into operation on 13th October 1975 and finished on 30th September 1976. In all, slightly over 30,000 applications have been approved.

Youth Employment Subsidy

The youth employment subsidy became available on 1st October 1976 and by 7th January 1977 4,601 applications had been approved.

Other Measures

Since August 1975, the Government have provided funds to expand the capacity of the community industry scheme from 2,000 places to 4,000 places. During 1976 about 4,200 young people were engaged under the scheme. The Government have also provided funds to strengthen the Careers Service. Some 230 additional posts have been created since July 1975, and these have led to 8,786 young people being placed in jobs.

House adjourned at eighteen minutes before four o'clock.