§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Employment when the last inquiry was made into the cost-effectiveness of the young workers scheme; and what were the results.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe cost-effectiveness of the scheme is kept under continual review. Our latest estimate of the net Exchequer costs for each person who would otherwise have been unemployed and claiming benefit is £2,220. This figure has fallen substantially since the scheme was introduced. Account should also be taken of the effect the scheme has on establishing realistic wage rates for young people, and thereby creating more jobs.