HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 cc601-2W
Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the operation of Professional and Executive Recruitment.

Mr. Fowler

Yes. Professional and Executive Recruitment provides specialised consultancy and advertising recruitment services to employers wishing to fill professional, technical, scientific, supervisory and managerial vacancies. It operates these services on a commercial basis, charging fees to employers and earning revenue from its free newspaper, Executive Post, which is sent direct to well over 100,000 jobseekers each week as part of PER's advisory and information service. PER's consultancy service extends from straightforward advertising to full recruitment assignments. It operates nationwide, from a network of 35 offices.

There is extensive and effective private sector provision in the activities which PER provides on a fee charging basis. The Government's view is that activities of an obviously commercial nature are better carried on in the private sector.

I have accordingly decided to seek professional advice about options for transferring PER out of the public sector. I have appointed Lloyds Merchant Bank Limited to act as my advisers and to report to me early in the New Year.