§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what timetable is envisaged for implementing changes in the rules of the training opportunities scheme, recommended in the Manpower Services Commission's recent report on the training opportunities scheme review.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the following changes in the TOPS rules will apply with effect from 4th December:
- (i) the qualifying period away from full-time education is reduced from three years to two;
- (ii) the minimum waiting period between two full-skill courses is reduced from five years to three. In addition, from 4th December the"waiting period"rule will not apply to adults who have completed a short
742 industrial course or work preparation course under TOPS, or who have taken part in a scheme under the special temporary employment programme; nor will it apply to young adults who have taken part in a scheme under the youth opportunities programme. The application of these changes is subject to the general rule that TOPS trainees must be 19 years of age or over when training starts. I am informed by MSC that the other changes in the rules recommended by the report will be considered over the coming months, in consultation with the education departments and other interests affected, and in the light of resource implications where appropriate.