§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate has been made of the effect upon the unemployment and employment figures of the 1988 change in the definition of full-time work from 30 hours to 24 hours for benefit purposes.
§ Mr. ForthIt was estimated at the time that the net effect on the monthly claimant unemployment statistics would have been small. The definition of full-time work used in the employment series remains at 30 hours per week, as it has for the last 45 years and, therefore, the employment figures were unaffected.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the change there will be to the unemployment figures as a result of the redefinition of full-time work for income support purposes from 24 hours to 16 hours; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthThe effect on the monthly claimant unemployment statistics is likely to be small, as those affected would have to be working for between 16 and 24 hours a week while signing on at an unemployment benefit office. Moreover, it does not necessarily follow that these people will cease to appear in the figures.