§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the operation and efficacy of the work test procedure.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkUnemployed people making a claim for benefit have their availability tested for work by a direct question on the unemployment benefit claim form, and subsequently whenever doubt arises about their availability for work. They are no longer required to register for work at a jobcentre but are encouraged to make full use of the services offered by the Manpower Services Commission
The initial availability test requires all claimants to declare whether or not they are willing to take any full-time job which they can do. A negative reply causes the unemployment benefit office to make further detailed inquiries about the nature and conditions of the work which an individual claimant is prepared to accept. Any doubts about the individual's availability are then referred to the independent adjudicating authorities. In 1983, the last full year for which figures are available, over 57,000 claims were disallowed on these grounds.
I am not fully satisfied with this availability test. I have recently set in hand arrangements to improve links between unemployment benefit offices and jobcentres and I am discussing with colleagues the possibility of strengthening the role played by the unemployment review officers of the DHSS.