HC Deb 15 November 1982 vol 32 cc64-5W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) to what extent unemployed adults are permitted to participate in part time (a) adult education courses or (b) activity for Scouts or other voluntary bodies without losing their unemployment benefit;

(2) what period must elapse before a young person after leaving school can take part in part-time education of less than 21 hours a week without losing unemployment benefit; when the rule was introduced; and why such a period is considered necessary.

Mr. Newton

An unemployed school leaver would not normally qualify for unemployment benefit, but would become entitled to supplementary benefit from the end of the holidays following his final term at school. To be eligible to undertake part-time study in receipt of benefit under the 21-hour rule—which applies to supplementary benefit only—he would need first to be available for work and in receipt of supplementary benefit for a period of three months before beginning a part-time course of up to 21 hours of classroom instruction a week.

During the qualifying period, a young person under the age of 19 could follow a course of up to 15 hours a week inclusive of private study without bringing himself within the scope of child benefit and thus putting his own supplementary benefit entitlement at risk.

This new qualifying condition was introduced in amending regulations which took effect on 9 August 1982, in order to distinguish between the unemployed people for whom the 21 hour rule concession is intended and those who are pursuing their educational career outside the employment field.

A person's entitlement to unemployment benefit is not affected by any part-time study or unpaid voluntary work that he may undertake, provided he remains available for work. Similar rules apply to an unemployed adult in receipt of supplementary benefit but he may also take advantage of the 21 hour rule, which specifies that a person shall be treated as available for work provided that he satisfies all its conditions including the requirement to give up the course should a suitable vacancy become available.

The rules which apply on voluntary work if this involves earning a little money are explained in leaflet NI 240. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.