§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are his criteria for selecting those jobcentres which will retain full general services; and what consultation he had with representatives of employers prior to their adoption.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonManagement in the employment service has prepared first-draft proposals for the development of the jobcentre network in each region in the light of the broad strategy for the development of the employment service approved by the Manpower Services Commission and endorsed by the Government. In doing so it has taken into account the distance between offices, the availability of public transport and the present level and location of services.
These first-draft proposals have been sent for consultation to area manpower boards, on which employers are represented, and to other interested parties including employers' organisations. Decisions will be taken in the autumn.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present number of jobcentres providing all general employment services in Greater London; and what are his proposals for such numbers in future.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe employment manager for the London region of the Manpower Services Commission has prepared first-draft proposals for the development of the jobcentre network in the light of the broad strategy for the development of the employment service approved by the commission and endorsed by the Government. Under these proposals the number of jobcentres would increase from 112 to 118, including 46 offices providing the complete range of services as compared with 63 at present. Copies of the proposals have been sent to area manpower boards and other interested parties, including the hon. Member, for consultation. Decisions will be taken in the autumn.