§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what guidance his Department issues on the application of section 26 of the Employment Act 1988 to claimants who decline a place on a training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe question refers to section 26 of the Employment Act 1988 which has no direct effect on unemployment benefit claimants. Section 27 does relate to unemployment benefit claimants and it is assumed that the hon. Gentleman intended to inquire about section 27 of the Employment Act which amends section 20 of the Social Security Act 1975.
All decisions applying to section 20 of the Social Security Act are given by the statutory independent adjudicating authorities.
Instructions to benefit office staff require that where it appears that a claimant has voluntarily left a course of approved training without good cause or was discharged because of unsatisfactory conduct he should be given an opportunity to make a statement and the matter should be referred to the independent adjudicating authorities.