HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 cc21-2W
Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the current youth unemployment figures for Accrington; what were these figures in 1981, 1980 and 1979; and what was the percentage increase during this period.

Mr. Alison

At October 1982, the number of young people under 18 years of age registered as unemployed—old basis—in the Accrington jobcentre area was 359. This was 245 per cent. higher than the figure of 104 registered in the area at October 1979. The corresponding figures at October 1980 and October 1981 were 313 and 382, respectively.

completing youth opportunity programmes in Accrington and north-east Lancashire (a) found employment, (b) went into further education, (c) joined another scheme and (d) became unemployed.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Information is not available in the precise form requested. The Manpower Services Commission follows up a sample of entrants to the youth opportunities programme, 12 months after the start of their schemes.

The latest survey figures available are for entrants to the youth opportunities programme between April and June 1981. The results are set out below:

Percentage of work experience entrants to YOP who were at the time of the survey:
per cent.
(a) in employment 41
(b) in full time education 2
(c) on another scheme 9
(d) registered unemployed 43

There is no breakdown of this information available below national level.

Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many youngsters are currently on youth opportunity programme schemes in Accrington and north-east Lancashire; and what was the percentage change in the numbers of those joining youth opportunity programme schemes from 1979 to 1982.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The following table shows the number of young people who have entered the youth opportunities programme, broken down into areas which coincide as closely as possible with the areas requested.