§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken to reduce the number of young people unemployed in Merseyside.
§ Mr. GoldingYoung, people in Merseyside have benefited from the various special measures the Government have introduced since 1975 to alleviate unemployment. Under the job creation scheme, 899 projects have been approved providing 12,058 jobs, of which, we estimate, about 40 per cent. have been taken up by young people; 474 schemes have been supported under the work experience programme with 1,779 young people participating; the employment of 2,761 young people has been assisted under the youth employment subsidy. 300 places are available under Community Industry, and nearly 1,000 training places are currently being provided by the Training Services Agency for young people on a variety of short industrial, employment induction and opportunity courses. Many other young people have been assisted with apprenticeships and other training under various schemes provided by industry training boards. My right hon. Friend announced a new youth opportunities programme on 29th June which will be fully operational by September 1978 and which will offer a range of opportunities for training and work experience which can be adapted to individual needs.
Men aged 21 and over Women aged 18 and over Manual Non-Manual Manual Non-Manual £ £ £ £ Manufacturing Industries Average gross earnings per week … … 74.20 88.90 45.00 48.40 Average overtime pay per week— Amount … … … … … 10.30 2.90 1.20 0.50 As percentage of gross earnings … … 13.9 3.3 2.7 1.1 All Industries and Services Average gross earnings per week … … 71.50 88.90 43.70 53.80 Average overtime pay per week— Amount … … … … … 9.80 2.60 1.30 0.50 As percentage of gross earnings … … 13.7 2.9 2.9 1.0 None of the survey results is described as "average industrial earnings".