HC Deb 14 March 1989 vol 149 c202W
72. Mr. Jim Marshall

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

Mr. Lee

Since the introduction of the restart programme in July 1986, some 5.4 million interviews have been carried out, 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 in order to provide further guidance and support.

Since September 1988, the programme has delivered the Government's guarantee to people aged between 18 and 24, who have been unemployed for between six and 12 months, of the offer of a place on employment training, or in a job club or on the enterprise allowance scheme.

86. Mr. Couchman

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many long-term unemployed have been offered help under the restart programme since its inception; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

Since 1 July 1986, some 5.4 million interviews have taken place under the restart programme of which just under 90 per cent. have resulted in an offer of positive help being made. There is no record of the number of people who have been interviewed as some will have been interviewed more than once.