§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications have been made to date by employers for payment of the job introduction allowance for potential disabled employees; how many of these applications have been turned down; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the job introduction scheme is designed to encourage employers to give certain disabled people a six weeks trial period of employment. It is applied selectively where, in the judgment of the disablement resettlement officer. the disabled person is prime facie suitable for the job but the employer has reasonable reservations about their ability to do it satisfactorily. It is for disablement resettlement officers to suggest the use of the scheme as they think appropriate; employers do not apply for the scheme themselves. I am also informed that, by the end of February, 296 disabled people had been helped by the scheme.
The scheme commenced on 4th July 1977 and is being run initially for an experimental period of twelve months. Progress of the scheme is being monitored and an interim evaluation is now being made.