§ Mr. Maplesasked the Paymaster General what results are being achieved by the jobclub network; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe results achieved by jobclubs are very encouraging. Two thirds of people passing through jobclubs have found work. A recent Manpower Services Commission report shows that jobclubs are cost effective and compare very favourably with other ways jobcentres help long-term unemployed people. A copy is in the Library.
We have agree that the Manpower Services Commission should work to establish about 200 jobclubs by the end of the year, and 450 as soon as possible thereafter. This will mean a jobclub for each main jobcentre area.