HC Deb 24 July 1979 vol 971 cc138-9W
Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

asked the Secretary of State for Employment in what way the criteria for entry to special temporary employment programme schemes are to be tightened to ensure that a higher proportion of entrants are drawn from the long-term unemployed.

Mr. Jim Lester,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19 July 1979; Vol. 970, c. 801],gave the following answer:

Sponsors of schemes under the special temporary employment programme were formerly required only to give preference in recruitment to long-term unemployed workers. Recruitment to the scheme has now been restricted to those people aged 19–24 years who have been unemployed for more than 6 months, and those aged 25 years and over who have been unemployed for more than 12 months. If no suitable long-term unemployed workers are available, exceptions may be made for scheme managers and supervisors and for skilled manual workers whose employment is essential to the efficient running of schemes.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many special temporary employment programme schemes, employing how many individuals, have been closed down or are due to be closed down as a result of the Budget cuts.

Mr. Jim Lester,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19 July 1979, Vol. 970, c. 801], gave the following answer:

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the information requested is available only at disproportionate cost. Existing projects outside the areas now covered by the programme may continue until the termination dates specified in contracts with the sponsors.