§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action is taken by his Department in respect of those people claiming unemployment benefit who declare themselves to be available for work in occupations where there are known manpower shortages in the. area where the claimant resides.
§ Mr. LeeAll claimants to unemployment benefit, a fundamental condition for the receipt of which is that they must be available for work, are encouraged to make full use of jobcentre services so that they can be helped to secure suitable vacancies. In addition, both jobcentre staff and claimant advisers in UBOs make every effort to ensure that vacancies are brought to the attention of claimants whose skills are in particular demand locally.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many claimants receiving unemployment benefit in the Greater London travel-to-work areas have indicated that they are available for work in occupations relating to the operation of buses and trains.
§ Mr. LeeThe information is not available. Department records are not collated to identify occupational information on unemployed claimants.