HC Deb 24 April 1986 vol 96 cc203-4W
Mr. Rowe

asked the Paymaster General what proportion of the long-term unemployed he expects to take up a place on a training course under the restart programme; how long on average such a course will last; and how much is the average cost of such a course.

Mr. Lang

Of those interviewed 20–30 per cent. are expected to take up a place on the new restart course. The average length of such a course is one week with a further

However, the Government are very concerned that in the long term shortages of skills do not become a barrier to increased output and to individuals' work opportunities, so that positive action is being taken to help to alleviate them. A number of the Manpower Services Commission's adult training schemes are designed to address immediate skill needs by focusing directly on the needs of local employers, as well as action to increase the supply of skills in the longer term through two year YTS, the non advanced further education initiative and other adult training policies.

Nevertheless the Government remain convinced that training to meet skill needs is primarily the responsibility of industry itself an consistently urges employers to see that training is an investment rather than an overhead.