HC Deb 22 July 1986 vol 102 cc165-6W
13. Dr. M. S. Miller

asked the Paymaster General what is the current average allowance paid on the community programme; and if he has any plans to increase it in line with the retail prices index.

Mr. Lang

Community programme participants are paid wages which reflect the local rate for the job and managing agents and sponsors of projects are reimbursed for wage costs up to a maximum average of £67 per participant per week. This was raised from £63 on 1 April 1986 and is kept under review.

28. Mr. Weetch

asked the Paymaster General what proportion of community programme participants now obtain a job on leaving the programme.

Mr. Lang

The results of the latest survey of former community programme participants (in autumn 1985), show that 54 per cent. of those responding had had at least one job within 10 months of leaving and that 28 per cent. obtained a job immediately on leaving.

85. Dr. Godman

asked the Paymaster General what percentage of community programme workers are employed full-time.

Mr. Lang

At 30 June 1986, the latest date for which statistics are available, 25 per cent. of those working on the community programme were employed full time.