§ Mr. Murphyasked the Paymaster General what consideration has been give to the encouragement of job clubs in Hertfordshire; how such organisations are run; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Manpower Services Commission currently operates 30 job clubs to help longer term unemployed people find jobs, and is evaluating their effectiveness. Should this confirm their early success, the commission has been asked to introduce a national network of 200 job clubs by the end of this year These plans include a proposal for a job club at Stevenage jobcentre. Other sites have yet to be chosen.
Job clubs are organised by jobcentre staff. The job club leader runs a series of sessions over a two-week period designed to restore self-confidence and teach job-hunting techniques. The leader then encourages and supports members in their search for work. Initial evidence suggests that two thirds of all people passing through job clubs enter employment.