§ 32. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people currently in training on the employment training programme had previously been unemployed for two years or more; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsFigures for those currently in training on employment training who were previously unemployed for two years or more are not available. However, of the 239,000 entrants to the programme by 31 March, it is estimated that some 38 per cent. or 91,000 had been unemployed for two years or more. This is an outstanding achievement as the programme is specially aimed at the longer-term unemployed.
§ 85. Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many local authorities have supported employment training; and how many have opposed it.
§ Mr. NichollsAs at 28 February 1989, a total of 263 local authorities were participating in employment training as training agents or training managers. There is no record held centrally by the Training Agency on the number of local authorities which have decided not to participate.
§ 90. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently undertaking training on employment training; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsBy 31 March there were over 175,000 people in training. They clearly recognise the benefits the programme has to offer and the opportunity it provides to help them get a job.