HC Deb 17 November 1981 vol 13 c66W
23. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the job release scheme.

28. Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of job release schemes.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The job release scheme was extended on 1 November to men aged 63. Applications for the scheme are being received at a rate of about 1,000 a week. In September, 50,868 people were receiving payments under the job release scheme. There will be a further extension in February 1982, when men aged 62 will be able to join the scheme. The total number receiving payments is expected to increase to over 70,000 in March 1982 and to continue increasing thereafter. People who join the job release scheme by giving up their jobs create job opportunities for those on the unemployed register.