§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General what is the content of the new training initiative for long-term unemployed; and how this will be divided up between assessment and job training.
§ Mr. LeeThe new job training scheme (JTS) pilot programmes provide participants with initial assessment, training in occupational skills supported by relevant practical experience and training in job-seeking skills. In addition all managing agents offer training in information technology and self employment skills for those who want and can benefit from these elements. Initial assessment takes place at the beginning of each programme and varies in length. Individual JTS programmes can vary between three and 12 months in length.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General whether those long-term unemployed persons who accept a place on the new training initiative will be regarded as new claimants once the six months training period is completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThose trainees who are unemployed at the end of a training course under the new job training scheme and claim benefit will be regarded as new claimants in the same way as those persons who re-claim after other training courses.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General whether he has any plans to extend the new training initiative beyond the nine pilot areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General whether he will make it his policy that those aged over 50 years will be invited to join the new training initiative for long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. LeePriority for places on the new job training scheme pilots is being given to those who are under 25 and unemployed for more than six months, but older long-term unemployed people may also apply.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General what are the numbers of employees in (a) full time and (b) part time employment in those companies which have accepted trainees under the new training initiative pilot scheme in Dundee (a) prior to the trainees joining the companies, and (b) one month after the trainees joined the companies.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General, pursuant to his reply, Official Report, 18 November, column 427, why his Department cannot advise those long-term unemployed persons who are invited to join the new training initiative in Dundee; and whether they will still qualify for single payments if they accept a place on the scheme.
§ Mr. LeeI refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to his earlier question, about advice given to potential trainees, on 25 November 1986 at column 59.
I also refer the hon. Member to the reply from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, to his question about single payments, on 20 November 1986 at column 334.