§ Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Employment what changes take place in the scheme of allowances payable to persons undertaking training opportunities scheme training courses with effect from 2 April 1981.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe allowances paid to trainees under the training opportunities scheme are being changed with effect from the first full pay week on or after 2 April 1981.
The new simplified scheme will offer two basic rates of payment: £35.05 a week for single trainees and £54.45 for those who qualify for a dependant's allowance. These sums are an improvement on present rates and in addition the dependents' allowance will be more widely available. In certain circumstances, flat rate contributions will be available towards the cost of daily travel or living away from home.
The new scheme will eliminate the earnings-related supplement, which is also being phased out of the benefit system, and abolish the separate lower rate for 19-year-old trainees.
It will also introduce, from September 1981, an extra weekly payment for trainees undertaking year-long courses in skills which are in short supply and have a high priority for the economy.
People already in training on 2 April will be able to retain their present allowances if these are more favourable.
I have arranged for copies of the leaflet TSD N103 which gives details of the new scheme to be placed in the Library.