§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce job plan workshops for the long-term unemployed; what effect this will have on entitlement to benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsResponsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. J. S. Crozier. I have asked him for a reply to be given.
Letter from J. S. Crozier to Ms. Clare Short, dated 19 February 1993:
You asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce Jobplan Workshops for the long-term unemployed in Northern Ireland, what effect this would have on entitlement benefit and if he will make a statement.As Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency I have been asked to reply.The Training and Employment Agency currently provides practical help for long-term unemployed jobseekers through a network of 28 Jobclubs. Members are given advice on the completion of application forms and CVs and preparation for interviews etc. Jobclubs provide photocopying, typing, telephone, stationery and postage facilities.In addition assistance towards finding work or suitable training is provided to the long term unemployed through counselling under the Restart Programme.At present there are no plans in Northern Ireland to introduce Jobplan Workshops but consideration will be given to what action should be taken to be of further help to the long term unemployed in the light of developments in Great Britain and local circumstances.