HC Deb 01 March 1977 vol 927 cc176-8W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the cost of using a computer for matching executive jobs with the personnel available.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the total cost to professional and executive recruitment (PER) of using my Department's computer centre at Runcorn in 1975–76 was approximately £405,555. PER uses its computer system for several purposes in addition to the direct matching of people and jobs, but the separate costs are not identified.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria for success is used to judge the viability of using the computer for matching purposes.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the concept of computer-assisted matching of people and jobs, used by professional and executive recruitment (PER), has been thoroughly proven by over four years' practical experience. With a total register of over 100,000 job seekers, relevant candidates for job vacancies are identified with far greater speed and thoroughness than is possible under a manual system.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average delay for matching a job with an unemployed person as a result of using the computer in the personnel executive register.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the computer-assisted matching system used by professional and executive recruitment gives the results of a full search of the 100,000 plus candidate register within three days of the notification of a job vacancy.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps the Government are taking to reconsider the policy

Sponsor Project Number of jobs created
CHESHIRE
Current Projects:
Cheshire County Council Records Of Archaeological Sites And Monuments 5
Chester Arts and Recreational Trust Administrative Assistance 8
Repairs And Modifications To Existing Exhibition Space 13
City Of Chester Ymca Restoration And Decoration Of Ymca Home 22
Chester City Council Excavation Of Site Within West Wall Of The City... 6
Cheshire Constabulary Administrative Assistance... 42
Cheshire County Council Cataloguing Etc. Of Library Books (2 Projects) 6
Careers Information Scheme 4
Help For Adults With Reading Problems 18
Tottenhall Recreation Club Extension To Building 15
Youth Hostels Association Conversion, Minor Repairs And Decoration To Youth Hostel 14
Cheshire County Council Clearance Of Village Ponds, Car Parks Etc., Tree Planting 25
Register Of Housing Stock 5
John Warnock General Building Operations 19
Cheshire Association Of Boys Clubs Minor Repairs To Youth Clubs And Old Peoples Homes 11
North West Play Association Play Leadership And Play For The Handicapped 5
of using a computer for matching senior personnel to jobs.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, whilst the computer-assisted matching system used by professional and executive recruitment is kept under constant review, there are no plans for reverting to other methods.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the failure rate from using computers in matching senior personnel to jobs.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the computer-assisted matching system used by professional and executive recruitment identifies an initial field of relevant candidates for virtually every vacancy notified.

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