§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Paymaster General how many hours training per month has been provided to each job training scheme participant in the pilot areas.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn the initial pilots the contracts with managing agents have required the provision of at least 150 hours of directed training to a participant with an average six-month programme, although most trainees will receive far more.
When the scheme is extended nationwide managing agents will be required to provided at least 300 hours of directed training during an average six-month course.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General (1) whether trainee participants in the new job training scheme are permitted or are expected to be included in shift work during placement;
(2) whether participants in the new job training scheme are permitted or are expected to work overtime during placement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 9 March 1987, c. 21]: Participants are under no obligation to undertake unsocial or long hours, but they may be invited to do so where this is normal working practice in the industry and business in which they are being trained.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General how many job training scheme participants have found placement within Government Departments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 9 March 1987, c. 21]: I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is not aware of any practical experience placements in Government Departments so far in the new JTS pilot programmes.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Paymaster General whether he will increase the allowance to participants in the new job training scheme to compensate for midday meals taken outside the house whilst under training with a managing agent and on placement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 9 March 1987, c. 21]: We have accepted in full the Manpower Services Commission's recommendations for the development of the job training scheme, including its view that trainees should be no worse off through their participation in the scheme. The commission is now considering detailed proposals for meeting trainees' out-of-pocket expenses.
§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Paymaster General if he will specify exactly how the funding for the job training scheme has been assembled within the departmental budget.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke[pursuant to his reply, 23 February 1987, c. 87]: Details of planned provision for my Department's programmes are contained in chapter 3.7 of "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1987–88 to 1989–90", volume II" (Cmnd. 56–11), a copy of which is in the Library. On 28 January I announced a further expansion of certain programmes which will increase my Department's total provision beyond that shown in Cmnd 56–11 without adding to total public expenditure. A detailed breakdown will be contained in class VII of the Government's expenditure estimates, to be published on March 17.