§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the role and function of the national providers unit; and what assistance it is giving to the printing industry.
Mr. JacksonThe TECs and national providers unit within the Department provides a brokerage and administrative service to facilitate contracting between TECs and national providers where both parties wish. These services comprise:
- standardised contracting arrangements;
- a unified claims and payment service;
- centralised collection and dissemination of management information;
- assistance to TECs with financial appraisal and monitoring; and
- co-ordination on quality development.
The British Printing Industry Federation's training organisation is making full use of all these services.