§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what steps he has taken to correct the discrimination in the new system of unauthorised absences from youth training trainees against young people who have previously truanted from school and may have difficulty in adjusting to youth training;
(2) if he will outline the aims behind the new system of unauthorised absences of youth training trainees.
Mr. JacksonThe recording of attendance and abating of payments for unauthorised absence have proved costly and burdensome to youth training and employment training placement and training providers. The Government are currently exploring ways of reducing the administration where trainees are placed with employers. No discrimination is involved. Training and enterprise councils would continue to set the funding for each provider, taking into account all the circumstances, including the difficulties of providers recruiting trainees who have previously truanted from school.