HC Deb 25 October 1988 vol 139 c192W
74. Mr. Neale

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the restart interview programme.

Mr. Lee

Since July 1986 almost 4.5 million interviews have been carried out under the restart programme, of which just under 90 per cent. have resulted in an offer of positive help being made.

The restart programme now offers interviews at six-monthly intervals to everyone who has been out of work for six months or more. In addition, certain clients are now offered follow-up interviews to discuss the outcome of their main interviews in order to provide further guidance and support.

From September 1988, the programme is delivering the Government's guarantee to people aged between 18–24 who have been unemployed for between six and 12 months, of the offer of a place on employment training, in a jobclub or on the enterprise allowance scheme.

77. Mr. Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many long-term unemployed have been offered help under the restart programme to date.

Mr. Lee

Since 1 July 1986, almost 4.5 million interviews have taken place under the restart programme, of which just under 90 per cent. have resulted in an offer of postive help being made. There is no record of the actual number of individuals interviewed.