HC Deb 21 July 1987 vol 120 cc154-5W
20. Mr. Hayes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what further measures are proposed for the restart programme.

Mr. Lee

We are extending the restart programme in order to provide regular help to every long-term unemployed person. The Government's intention is that interviews will be offered at six-monthly intervals to everyone who has been unemployed for more than six months.

30. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what study he has made of the benefit gained by those who have undertaken restart courses.

Mr. Cope

Restart courses are designed to help long-term unemployed people reassess their skills and abilities, and improve their presentation and job search techniques. A survey in 1986 found that 76 per cent. of participants considered restart courses to be useful or very useful.

84. Mr. John Browne

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the restart programme.

Mr. Lee

By the 29 May nearly 2 million long-term unemployed people had been interviewed under the restart programme.

The Government's intention is that an interview will be offered at six-monthly intervals to everyone who has been unemployed for more than six months.

Since the programme began a positive offer of help to get back to work has been made to nine out of 10 of the unemployed people who have been interviewed.