HC Deb 22 May 1980 vol 985 c274W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of people attending employment rehabilitation centres were drawing invalidity benefit immediately before commencing the course at the last date for which figures are available.

Mr. Jim Lester

[pursuant to his reply, 21 May 1980, c. 119]: I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that research recently undertaken by it indicates that about 17 per cent. of those attending courses at employment rehabilitation centres (ERCs) had been drawing invalidity benefit prior to the course.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, of people completing courses at employment rehabilitation centres in the last period for which figures are available, what proportion (a) immediately entered full-time employment, (b) reverted to drawing sickness benefit, (c) reverted to drawing invalidity benefit, (d) reverted to drawing unemployment benefit, and (e) reverted to drawing supplementary benefit only.

Mr. Jim Lester

[pursuant to his reply, 21 May 1980, c. 118]: I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that in the six months ending March 1979 12 per cent. of those completing courses at employment rehabilitation centres immediately entered full-time employment. Statistics are not available as to which benefits, if any, were claimed by the remainder of clients on completion.