HC Deb 17 January 1989 vol 145 c173W
27. Mr. Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of job clubs.

92. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current number of job clubs in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

There are currently 1,220 job clubs open. Since April 1986, when central records began, 121,494 people participating in the job club programme have found jobs and a further 31,268 have gone into other positive outcomes, such as training, a place on the community programme or the enterprise allowance scheme. Currently, 71 per cent. of all those leaving a job club do so having achieved a positive outcome. The shape of the programme for 1989–90 is currently under consideration as part of the employment service's annual planning round.

I am pleased that job clubs are continuing to give such positive help to long-term unemployed people who are at a disadvantage in the labour market.