Youth Opportunities Programme

HC Deb 02 February 1982 vol 17 cc102-3W

41. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure that young people employed under the youth opportunities programme produce goods or services which are of benefit to the community.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The aim of the youth opportunities programme is to provide young people with full-time work experience and training which improves their ability to get permanent work. At he same time many schemes do produce goods and services of benefit to the community.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now make an immediate increase in allowances for work clothing, footwear and safety equipment to those participating in youth opportunities programme schemes.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I understand from the Manpower Services Commission that some schemes being run under the youth opportunities programme may require the participants to wear protective clothing. In the case of schemes sponsored under the community projects and training workshops elements of the programme, the cost: of such clothing and any necessary safety equipment may be met out of the operating costs allowance paid by the commission. The level of this allowance is currently under review.

In the case of schemes sponsored under the work experience on employers premises element of the programme, the sponsor is expected to meet the costs of protective clothing and safety equipment and the commission does not provide any financial assistance towards these costs.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now introduce consistent trade union monitoring, including proper disciplinary and compaints procedures, into the youth opportunities programme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Monitoring the operation of the youth opportunities programme is the responsibility of staff of the Manpower Services Commission. Responsibility for operating disciplinary and complaints procedures is a matter for sponsors who undertake to set out a formal disciplinary procedure in writing and to inform all scheme participants.