§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will extend the closure dates for applications under the job release scheme; what steps he has taken to inform the public of the closure of the scheme in addition to issuing a press notice on 3 November; if he will consider extending the scheme with substantially lower age limits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe job release scheme is being closed because of a targeting of resources on our top priority of reducing long-term unemployment. I do not intend to extend the closure date for applications or to reduce the age limits. In addition to the announcements of the closure and a press notice, closure was advertised in the national press on 6 November.