§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people have left youth training schemes without a job; and what provision is made for them.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonInformation on the precise number of young people who have left the youth training scheme without a job is not available. However, a sample survey of youngsters leaving the scheme between 1 April and 31 July 1984 showed that 34 per cent. were unemployed—and 58 per cent. were in jobs—at the time they completed the questionnaire, some three months after leaving the scheme. Seven per cent. of the unemployed youngsters were intending to go into full-time education or training.
The majority of youngsters leaving the youth training scheme are finding jobs. However, the Government continue to encourage employers, through the young workers scheme, to provide more jobs for 17-year-olds, including those leaving the youth training scheme. There are a number of other Government measures which, subject to eligibility conditions, are available to assist youngsters who leave the youth training scheme without a job, such as the enterprise allowance scheme.
§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated annual cost of the youth training scheme; and what proportion of this is fixed overhead cost unaffected by duration of training.
§ Mr. Peter Morrison[pursuant to his reply, 14 January 1985, c. 36]: The estimate provision for expenditure on youth training in 1984–85 is about £802 million. It is not possible to identify precisely the proportion which relates to fixed overhead costs. However, it is estimated that about half of the expenditure incurred up to the end of December related to trainees' allowances and excess travel and lodging costs, and the remainder related to capital costs and other operating and training expenditure.