HC Deb 23 June 1977 vol 933 cc529-30W
Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will meet a group of those concerned with the job creation programme to discuss its future and expansion within the Manchester District and Greater Manchester areas.

Mr. Golding

Yes.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will, through the manpower service, seek to encourage viable small co-operative producers as part of the job creation programme.

Mr. Golding

The Manpower Services Commission has set aside 1 per cent. of the funds allocated to the job creation programme for helping to set up small enterprise workshops, including co-operatives which aim to become self-financing within a year and which are likely to create permanent jobs.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will encourage the use of young people within areas of high unemployment for projects of a community aid nature within the scope of the job creation programme.

Mr. Golding

Yes. The primary aim of the job creation programme is to provide work of community value in areas of high unemployment. I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that about 75 per cent. of JCP employees are aged under 25. Many are giving direct aid to people in their community.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment for each of the regions in the job creation scheme, how many jobs have been sponsored by trades unions.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that trades unions have sponsored projects under the job creation programme involving three jobs in the London and South-East area, eight jobs in the Midlands area and 13 jobs in the Northern area.

There are no projects sponsored by trade unions in the remaining JCP areas.

Trade unions throughout the country have, of course, been closely involved in the running of the programme.