§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the benefit position of adult claimants who leave the proposed new employment training scheme for adults before the end of their agreed training programme, in relation to their previous level of benefit; and in what circumstances an adult claimant will face benefit penalties for either refusing to join, or leaving a place early, in the proposed employment training scheme.
§ Mr. NichollsPeople who leave employment training early will be entitled to claim unemployment benefit or income support, provided that they meet the statutory conditions for entitlement to these benefits. The level of benefit of those who have previously received these benefits may alter if their circumstances have changed172W while on the programme. Refusal of a place on employment training or leaving the programme early will not in themselves be grounds for refusal of benefit.