§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many school leavers are expected in each of the school leaving periods in the current year; what assessment he has made of their job prospects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe estimated numbers are as follows:84W
May 1981 December 1981 Total leavers 71,600 18,100 Leavers available for employment 54,100 17,300 In addition, it is estimated that in the period to Easter 1981 a further 2,000 pupils who are already over school leaving age will have left school, 1,900 of whom will be available for employment.
Most of the young people leaving school in Scotland this year can expect to find a job or a place in full-time further education within a few months of leaving school. For those unable to do so, the Manpower Services Commission has renewed its undertaking to find a suitable place on the youth opportunities programme.